Reflect Before You Solve
Use a concise reflection before offering a solution in a tense workplace conversation.
The move is reflect, then ask. Why reflection works A reflection tells the speaker that you are tracking both the facts and the meaning. It lowers the need to argue for legitimacy. Once the speaker feels understood, your question can gather better information instead of sounding like a cross-examination. The three-part pattern Name the issue, name the impact, and invite correction. For example: It sounds like the report failure is frustrating because it keeps putting you in the role of last-minute detector. What am I missing? Common trap Do not use a reflection as a fancy preface to advice. If…
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