Walk a Defensive Moment Back to Dialogue
Recover a conversation after someone becomes defensive.
Defensiveness You are discussing a missed commitment. The other person says, 'You are blaming me for a system problem.' If you argue with the defense, you may prove the conversation is not safe. Active listening Reflect -> Purpose -> Data Do not choose between empathy and accountability. Use empathy to reopen the accountability channel. Debate Correct the accusation first. The other person can rejoin the problem instead of defending the self. You can validate the concern without validating every conclusion. 01 Reflect 02 Purpose 03 Data Name the concern They believe the conversation is unfair.
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