618: Are you walking on eggshells at work? A chat with Sam Horn
Sep 24, 2023
auto_awesome
Sam Horn, author of 'Talking on Eggshells: Soft Skills for Hard Conversations,' discusses why people avoid conflict and the importance of learning the right soft skills for difficult conversations. Grab a copy of her book and gain insights on effective communication in professional environments and the significance of accountability and trust in the workplace.
Addressing hard conversations in the workplace is crucial for fostering successful professional relationships and reducing anxiety.
Building a culture of trust through effective communication and accountability is key for handling conflicts and promoting cooperation in the workplace.
Deep dives
The importance of addressing hard conversations
The podcast episode discusses the importance of addressing hard conversations in the workplace. It highlights the tendency to avoid conflict or drama, leading to walking on eggshells in professional environments. The guest, Sam Horne, shares insights from her book 'Talking Eggshells' which focuses on the soft skills needed for handling difficult conversations effectively. It explores why these conversations should not be as challenging as they are and provides tips and tricks for navigating them.
The rise of incivility and the need for effective communication
The episode talks about the increasing rudeness and incivility in professional settings, as highlighted by a report from McKinsey. It emphasizes the lack of education on handling complaints and blames in schools and the resulting challenges faced by employees and leaders. Sam Horne's book offers practical solutions to handle these situations, encouraging individuals to be pattern interrupts, fostering empathy and compassion instead of blaming and shaming. The importance of proactively addressing conflicts and promoting cooperation rather than conflict is stressed.
Cultivating a culture of trust and accountability
The podcast delves into the impact of culture on communication in the workplace. It raises the question of why people engage in blaming others and explains the need for leaders to set clear expectations and enforce them consistently. The episode emphasizes the importance of having soft skills, such as effective communication, punctuality, and follow-through to build a culture of trust. It suggests strategies for holding individuals accountable, including outlining expectations, signing agreements, and scheduling follow-up meetings. Building a culture of trust is presented as crucial for reducing anxiety and fostering successful professional relationships.
Author Sam Horn returns to the show to discuss her new book: "Talking on Eggshells: Soft Skills for Hard Conversations." We discuss: Why are people avoiding conflict? Why sometimes conflict can be necessary. How to learn the right soft skills for hard conversations. Join us and grab a copy of her book: https://amzn.to/45BIc3h
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode