How To Have the Courageous Conversation You’ve Been Avoiding

The conversation you’re avoiding is the one you most need to have.

I'm Dr. Elisa Glick and I help leaders build trust in the workplace, one courageous conversation at a time. Here are 4 practical strategies that will enable you to prepare or “set the table” for a courageous conversation.

1. Move from debate to discovery:
Courageous conversations thrive when people feel like co-explorers rather than adversaries. Invite others into a shared space of curiosity by asking open-ended questions like, “How did you come to see things that way?”

2. Practice humility and listening to understand:
Let go of the need to respond immediately or “fix” things. Validate emotions and experiences without rushing to defend or justify. If you’re corrected or challenged, take a breath and respond with openness: “That’s a good point—I hadn’t thought about it that way.”

3. Model authenticity:
If you catch yourself reacting defensively, name it: “I notice I’m feeling a little resistant—let me sit with that for a minute.” Or, “I feel nervous/uncomfortable/scared to say this, but/and….” Transparency fosters trust and safety. When you express your own vulnerability, it gives others permission to do the same.

4. End with appreciation:
Regardless of how the conversation unfolds, always close with gratitude: For example, “I value these kinds of conversations, even when they’re challenging. Thank you for sharing your perspective with me.”

Framing the conversation as a shared effort to understand--not a win-or-lose debate--can help to defuse tension/conflict and open up a space for trust, safety, and mutual respect.

➡️ Would you like to bring these important discussions to your managers or team? Contact me and let’s discuss how I can help! 🚀