Better conversations lead to better results.

1. Straight Talk
Better conversations lead to better results
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Everyone faces difficult conversations
When you feel strongly
Where you argue about what’s right
and wrong
When you give critical feedback.

3. Conversations are difficult
with people who have more
power and authority than you
have.
Often, you choose not to
speak up at all.
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4. You bite your lip and avoid eye contact
You use sarcasm
You talk behind peoples’ backs
You deny that anything is bothering you
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5. Problems don’t go away: they get worse
Y Soon you’re surrounded by people who drive
you crazy
Stress levels rise
Relationships take strain
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With skill, you can avoid all of this.
You don’t become emotional.
You don’t shout, accuse or blame.
You don’t create defensiveness or
start arguments.

7. Make conversations safe
Hear all sides of the story
Get to the bottom of problems
Involve others in coming up with ideas
Commit to solutions.
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8. At work you won’t be surrounded by people
who:
do their jobs poorly
behave badly
who are disrespectful
or inconsiderate.
Your workplace becomes more productive and
happier.
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9. You can clear the air and move on.
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10. Stress levels drop. There’s more openness,
more honesty.
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11. STRAIGHT TALK is a step-
by-step process that gives
you the skills to hold better
quality conversations…and
improve your relationships,
both at work and in your
personal and social life.
Everyone can learn to do it.
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12. www.straight-talk.co.za
maureen@straight-talk.co.za
Straight Talk: conversations at work that get results
Straight Talk: how to manage conversations that scare you
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