The Business Storytelling Podcast 618: Are you walking on eggshells at work? A chat with Sam Horn
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Sep 24, 2023 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.
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Walking Versus Talking On Eggshells
- A workshop attendee said his team "walk on eggshells" working for lawyers, fearing to set the boss off.
- Sam Horn corrected him: they are "talking on eggshells," highlighting how people self-censor around volatile coworkers.
Rudeness Is Increasing; Skills Aren't Taught
- McKinsey found rudeness is rising and civility is worsening, yet schools teach calculus not conflict skills.
- Horn wrote the book to help people know what to say when they don't know what to say.
Turn Impatience Into Empathy
- When someone lashes out, replace "How rude" with "How would I feel?" to prompt empathy and action.
- Use that perspective to ask practical questions and find solutions for the upset person.