Question

Ed decided he had to say something. He thought about saying, “Barry, you’re ruining my life with all the work assignments.” Instead, he said, “Barry, lately I’ve felt overworked and wondered if we could talk about my work assignments.” What principle of holding a difficult conversation is most at play here?

Multiple Choice
avoiding exaggeration
assuming the best in others
staying calm and overcoming noise
finding common ground
avoiding either/or approaches

Answer 1

The principle most at play in this scenario is "avoiding exaggeration." Ed chose a more measured and constructive way to express his feelings by not using extreme or exaggerated language. Instead of saying that Barry is "ruining" his life, he expressed his concerns in a more moderate and non-confrontational manner, which can be more effective when holding a difficult conversation. This approach is often recommended in effective communication during challenging discussions.

Explanation: