I’ve had 1000s of tough conversations navigating conflict.
(Here's what nobody tells you...)
They don’t get easier.
You just get braver.
❌ The tension still hangs in the air.
❌ You still worry how it will land.
❌ The fear still shows up.
But with practice...
✅ You stop avoiding.
✅ You stop over-explaining.
✅ You start speaking with clarity....
Even when it’s hard.
You don’t need scripts.
You need structure.
Here’s the HEART framework I come back to, time
and time again:
H— Hold space before speaking
↳ Silence isn’t awkward, it’s powerful.
↳ Give the moment room to breathe.
↳ People can feel when you’re present.
E— Embrace the discomfort
↳ Discomfort is part of the process.
↳ You don’t need to rush through it.
↳ Sitting with it builds emotional resilience.
A— Acknowledge what’s real
↳ Say what others might be thinking.
↳ Speak to the emotion in the room.
↳ Truth makes the invisible visible.
R— Respect their perspective
↳ Listen fully before you respond.
↳ Let them feel seen, not shut down.
↳ Curiosity is more useful than control.
T— Talk toward resolution
↳ Use honest words, not harsh ones.
↳ Stay future-focused, not fault-focused.
↳ Leave space to move forward together.
You don’t need perfect words.
You just need the courage to go there with integrity.
And HEART.
Credit to Dr. Thomas Funke, follow him for more insightful content.
