Developing your ability to manage difficult conversations brings tremendous benefits in all aspects of life. Making it safe for people to really say what they think, and being able to handle difficult conversations effectively are critical skills in the modern world. Particularly important is the ability to form effective working relationships across team, professional and organisational boundaries.
For many years I trained in the hard skills of management and leadership, developing vision, strategic and business planning, project management, stakeholder relationships and so on. The tools and frameworks were useful - but always seemed to just miss the point somehow.
Then it dawned on me...
It wasn't the tools and techniques that were missing the point - it was me. The tools and techniques of management and leadership provide us with frameworks in which to have conversations with people that matter. It is the quality of the conversation that makes the difference in making things happen.
Since that recognition I have trained people to have Better Conversations both in-company and on open courses.