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OCTOBER 2024

How to Have Difficult Conversations

Whether it’s addressing a conflict with a friend, providing constructive feedback at work, or discussing sensitive topics with family members, difficult conversations are inevitable. Especially at work, where you must continue to work together smoothly and cooperatively, being able to have difficult conversations is an important skill. These conversations can be challenging, but with the right approach, they can lead to positive outcomes and stronger relationships. Here are some strategies to help you navigate difficult conversations effectively.

 

Be Prepared

A recent survey found that two-thirds of employees want to have hard conversations at work, but managers are unprepared. And it’s not just managers who find these situations uncomfortable. Whether you’re the manager or the employee, take some time to prepare before initiating the discussion. Reflect on the main points you want to address and consider the possible reactions from the other person. Also, think about what you hope to achieve by having this conversation. Taking the time to prepare can help you stay focused and calm.

 

Be Clear and Direct

When discussing difficult topics, it’s important to be clear and straightforward. Beating around the bush or using vague language can create more confusion and dissent. State your concerns or points concisely, focus on the facts, and use specific examples to ensure you do not become biased or bring in irrelevant issues. A more structured conversation will lead to more productive potential outcomes.

 

 

 

 

ON TOPIC

Prepare Your Conversation

When issues at work bubble up, there are three typical responses: avoiding a necessary but difficult conversation, blindsiding a colleague with a difficult conversation, or starting a conversation with no clear idea of the goal. To have respectful, productive conversations — particularly when the subject is uncomfortable — it's important to prepare. Here are some questions to consider the next time you need to have a difficult conversation. 

  • What is the crux of the conversation?
  • Why do I need to have this conversation?
  • What are the facts?
  • What assumptions do I have?
  • How have I contributed to the situation?
  • What outcome am I hoping for?
  • What is the goal?
  • When and where will I have this conversation?
  • How might the person react? And how will I respond?
  • What do I need to watch out for in myself?
  • What else do I need to prepare for this conversation?
  • Whose input do I need?
  • Who do I need to alert?
  • How would I want to be treated if someone were having this conversation with me?
  • If it doesn’t work, what next?

By thinking through these questions ahead of time, you’re setting yourself up for a successful conversation. The goal is to walk away with clear action steps for moving forward.

 

RESOURCES

Resources for AISES Members

AISES events, like the National and Regional conferences and Professional Chapter meetings are great opportunities to network. See the list of upcoming events in the Save the Date section below.

 

Have you had a chance to scroll through AISES posts on (formerly known as Twitter)? Check it out to get up-to-date info on what’s going on with the organization and the latest happenings in Indian Country.

 

Online Resources

 

Get the AISES Nation App Today

The AISES Nation app is a space for AISES members to come together, share their cultural knowledge, celebrate each other's successes, and build community. This virtual hangout is your one-stop-shop to make meaningful connections and easily access all the amazing AISES programs in one place! To download the app, go to the App Store/Google Play store on your phone and type AISES Nation. You can also join the platform online .

 

Survey Says

Help shape the future of Winds of Change magazine by completing our . As a thank you, all participants will have the option to enter a drawing at the end of the survey. Winners will be announced in Spring 2025. Thank you!

 

 

 

SAVE THE DATE

 

 

PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

New York University – New York, N.Y.

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering invites applications among the robotics community for two full-time, teaching-oriented, non-tenured, continuing contract faculty positions in Mechanical Engineering, at the rank of industry assistant professor, with a start date as early as Jan. 1, 2025. The primary responsibilities of the positions are classroom and laboratory teaching and project/thesis mentoring in robotics and embodied artificial intelligence (AI). The successful candidate should be an excellent teacher and have research experience in robotics and embodied AI fields. The candidate must be able to mentor projects/theses in support of our MS program in robotics and undergraduate courses in our robotics minor.

 

Research!America – Arlington, Va.

The 2024–2025 application portal for Research!America's Civic Engagement Microgrant program is now open through Nov. 15. Microgrants of up to $4,000 will be awarded, on a rolling basis, to STEM groups led by master's, PhD, postdoc, or professional students to design and execute projects that create dialogue with public officials, local community leaders, and the public around issues of common concern. These funds provide opportunities for grantees to develop skills in areas such as communication and program planning, along with an understanding of public policy and government to have an impact in their local communities.

 

Are you ready to take your career to the next level? Add your resume to the and enter our Resume Sweepstakes, happening now through October 31. To enter, simply upload your resume to the AISES Career Hub, and you'll automatically be entered for a chance to win fabulous prizes. Whether you are navigating a career transition, seeking to advance in your current position, or looking to enter a new field, our career hub was designed to help individuals like yourself take the leap. Winners will be announced on the AISES Nation app at 5 p.m. MT on October 31.

 

JOB OPENINGS

AISES – Boulder, Colo.

 

Arizona State University – Tempe, Ariz.

 

Bay Area Rapid Transit – Oakland, Calif.

 

Federal Bureau of Investigation

– Washington, D.C.

– Washington, D.C.

– Washington, D.C.

­– Cleveland, Ohio

– San Jose, Calif.

– Los Angeles, Calif.

 

Johns Hopkins University – Baltimore, Md.

 

KPBS Public Media – San Diego, Calif.

 

Michigan Technological University – Houghton, Mich.

 

Micron Technology – Boise, Idaho

 

National Reconnaissance Office

– Denver, Colo.

– Chantilly, Va.

 

National Research Council of Canada – Canada

 

New York University – New York, N.Y.

 

Ohio State University, Physics – Columbus, Ohio

 

Olin College of Engineering – Needham, Mass.

 

Oracle

– Seattle, Wash.

– Remote

– Remote

– Hybrid

 

Purdue University – Indiana

 

Stanford University Civil & Environmental Engineering Department – Stanford, Calif.

 

Toyota Technological Institute at Chicago – Chicago, Ill.

 

United States Military Academy/West Point – West Point, N.Y.

 

University of Oklahoma – Norman, Okla.

 

University of Virginia Engineering – Charlottesville, Va.

 

University of Wisconsin - Madison – Madison, Wis.

 

Visa – Austin, Texas

 

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority – Landover, Md.
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Paths to Opportunities and Winds of Change are published exclusively by AISES.

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