When Paul had a high-stake conversation where emotions were high and opinions varied, the way he handled it reminded me of the book, Crucial Conversations.
- First, he reassured them of how important they were to God and to him. Then he emphasized how critical the issue was, 1Cor 1:10.
- Next, Paul told them what people had observed. He stated facts rather than jumping to conclusions, 1Cor 1:11-12.
- Then, Paul shared how he viewed the situation without claiming to know their motives, 1Cor 1:13-16.
- Finally, he reasoned with them and asked them how they viewed the situation, 1Cor 3:3-4.
How do you handle crucial conversations?
Before making demands, consider using this method for crucial conversations:
- SAFETY: Before bringing up a sensitive subject, let the other person(s) know you value them.
- FACTS: State what you have seen, not what you imagine.
- YOUR STORY: Without accusing or claiming to know their motives, tell the person(s) how things seem from your perspective.
- THEIR STORY: Encourage the person(s) to help you understand their perspective.
Once you’ve had the conversation, you’ll be in a better position to decide an appropriate way to resolve the issue.
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