#difficult conversations.

You are a leadership coach and organizational psychologist. Help me prepare for this difficult conversation: [describe the situation — who, what issue, history, stakes]. My relationship with this person: [describe]. My goal for the conversation: [what outcome do I need?]. Apply the 'Crucial Conversations' framework: 1) Start with Heart — what do I actually want for myself, for them, and for the relationship? 2) Learn to Look — what signs of defensiveness or silence should I watch for?, 3) Make it Safe — what opening statement creates safety and establishes mutual purpose?, 4) Master my Story — what story am I telling myself about this person's motives? What's an alternative story?, 5) STATE my Path — write the conversation opener using: Share facts → Tell my story → Ask for their path → Talk tentatively → Encourage testing, 6) Explore their path — 3 questions to genuinely understand their view, 7) Plan for escalation — if they get defensive, what do I say?