Hi Friend,
If you’re reading this, it means you made it through the wildness of December ‘22, and are now at January’s door … thinking about what is possible with this new year.
So often we think about professional goal and intention-setting in terms of revenue generated … new connections forged … new habit loops of various sorts.
But there’s an area of growth that doesn’t get nearly enough credit—
You want to blow the doors off of 2023?
Consider investing in your conflict management skills.
I know it’s not as zippy as “lose 10 lbs.” or “get that promotion,” but our ability to have hard conversations is probably what will keep us from eating our anger or disappointment.
Our ability to manage difficult personalities is far more likely to build our reputations and get us promoted than our ability to hit Inbox Zero.
A recent email reminded me of just how powerful conflict management skills can be:
Hi Bronwyn,
I’m a long time watcher of your YouTube channel, and on Monday night I purchased your No Enemy Conversation while facing a professional setback. It was the result of a poor wording choice on my part, and I knew I had to make a change.
I just want to say: thank you so much! I implemented some of these techniques yesterday in face of this conflict I was in and it has already made a huge difference in the outcome of the situation. I have decided to watch your video at least once a week until the techniques have sunk in completely—I’m that much of a believer.
Anyway, thank you again. You’re changing lives.
Sincerely,
E
While it is ego boosting to read how my work made a difference for someone, I recognize in all humility that what I teach about conflict communication is hardly groundbreaking. It’s just that most of us were never taught even the BASICS of healthy conflict communication.
So how about this: if conflict communication is something you struggle with, make 2023 the year you work on showing up strong, compassionate, grounded and authentic to difficult conversations. Make 2023 the year you choose courage over avoidance. Make 2023 the year you begin to trust yourself to handle the tough stuff with directness and grace.
And I guarantee you will end the year in a completely different (better) place.
Shine on, my friend.
B
