How To! Supercommunicators | 3. How to Have the Hardest Conversations
17 snips
Mar 12, 2025 In a riveting discussion, Vernā Myers, Netflix’s former vice president for inclusion strategy, shares her experiences navigating tough conversations at the company, particularly following a racially charged incident. She highlights the vital role of establishing ground rules and emotional connections to foster safer dialogues. Joined by psychologist Jay Van Bavel, they delve into strategies for tackling the hardest chats, encouraging listeners to confront their anxieties and transform personal narratives into bridges for understanding.
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The Netflix N-Word Incident
- A Netflix executive used the N-word during a meeting, intending to illustrate the harm of offensive language.
- This incident led to his firing and sparked internal divisions within the company.
Overestimating Conversation Difficulty
- People are bad at predicting how hard conversations will go, often overestimating their difficulty.
- This anticipatory anxiety leads to avoidance of crucial discussions.
Setting Ground Rules
- Establish ground rules for disagreements, even if unspoken.
- Recognize and respect conversational norms to facilitate productive discussions.
