4 Objectives of a Fierce Conversation

Consider the implications when you approach conversations with the following objectives:

Interrogate Reality

Understand that there are multiple, competing realities existing simultaneously about any topic imaginable. Remain curious instead of defensive, and model honesty, openness, and transparency.

Provoke Learning

Go into your conversations hoping to be influenced, hoping you will be different when the conversation has ended. With that as a goal, you will likely discover that fierce conversations are a marvelous cure for excessive certitude.

Tackle Tough Challenges

Keep it real and avoid the buildup of undercurrent by fearlessly and skillfully bringing the issues, both spoken and unspoken, out into the open where everyone can discuss, address, and resolve them. Don’t delay. Today is the day.

Enrich Relationships

Even the toughest fierce conversations enrich relationships. There is something within us that responds to those who level with us, who don’t suggest our compromises for us, who give us the purity of their attention.

Source: Scott, S. (2002). Fierce conversations: Achieving success at work & in life, one conversation at a time. New York: Penguin.