The How to ABA Podcast Hard Conversations, Soft Skills: Navigating Difficult Parent and Staff Interactions
Aug 26, 2025
Navigating hard conversations is essential in behavior analysis, as it builds trust and strengthens relationships. Avoiding these discussions can hinder client progress. The importance of soft skills like active listening and empathy is emphasized, showing how they can transform interactions. Personal stories illustrate the power of candid communication. Strategies for providing constructive feedback and maintaining clarity are shared, focusing on problem-solving and creating a positive atmosphere to support collaboration amidst challenges.
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Practice Before The Tough Talk
- Shana described confronting a harsh manager at 19 after practicing the conversation with her mom.
- The manager changed his behavior and became one of her best managers afterward.
Avoidance Amplifies Problems
- Avoiding hard conversations lets small issues grow into bigger problems that harm clients.
- Procrastination about feedback can delay client progress and increase organizational anxiety.
Use Active Listening
- Use active listening: stay present and respond to what you hear rather than rehearsing a rebuttal.
- Drop mental rebuttals and reply based on the speaker's actual words.
