222. Discussing through Discomfort: Why the Conversations You Avoid Cost You the Most

In this episode of the Think Fast, Talk Smart podcast, Matt Abrahams interviews Jennifer Wynn, an NYU Stern School of Business professor, about navigating difficult conversations. Wynn emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and managing one's inner experience to engage productively in challenging dialogues. She introduces the framework of "self-awareness, pause, reframe" as a tool for managing emotional triggers and reframing difficult conversations as learning opportunities. They discuss barriers to effective communication, such as avoiding conversations, lacking clear goals, and insufficient listening. Wynn highlights the value of inquiry, paraphrasing, and advocacy in fostering shared understanding and suggests practicing communication skills in low-stakes situations to prepare for more consequential conversations. The episode also touches on using AI to improve tone and role-play difficult scenarios, as well as the power of asset-based framing and leading with connection to create psychological safety in conversations.