Struggling with Tough Conversations? Read This...

📝 This Week's Topic: Difficult Conversations
Navigating difficult conversations is a skill every leader must master. Whether you’re giving constructive feedback, handling conflict, or negotiating across cultures, knowing how to communicate effectively can make all the difference. This week, we're diving into the nuances of tough conversations and high-context negotiations.

📊 Power Phrase of the Week

• Context: Leadership requires handling tough discussions without escalating conflict.

• Quick Tip: Use empathy and strategic phrasing to guide difficult conversations toward solutions.

• Suggested timeframe: Apply this in your next leadership conversation this week.

☀️ Leadership Deep Dive #LanyapLeadership

Theme Focus: How to Navigate Difficult Conversations at Work
Difficult conversations are unavoidable in leadership, but they don’t have to damage relationships. Here’s a framework to make them more productive:

Key Principles:

• Prepare with Empathy – Understand the other person’s perspective before engaging.

• Use the 'Yes, And' Approach – Acknowledge concerns while guiding the discussion forward.

• Stay Solution-Oriented – Focus on problem-solving rather than placing blame.

📖 Read More: How to Have Difficult Conversations Without Burning Bridges (HBR)

📋 Self-Assessment Corner

🔬 Leadership Lab
Negotiating with High-Context Cultures Exercise

• Time to Try This: 10 minutes

Steps:

1. Build Relationships First: Spend time getting to know clients personally before discussing business.

2. Communicate Subtly: Use indirect language and non-verbal cues to gauge meaning.

3. Respect Traditions: Show appreciation for their cultural norms and values to foster trust.

Integration Tip: Next time you're in a negotiation, spend the first few minutes on relationship-building rather than diving straight into business.

📊 Leadership Insights

📖 DeepSeek AI: This Chinese startup built a powerful AI model with significantly less money using the “mixture of experts” approach. Learn how they did it: Read the NYT article

💡 Expert Corner
[💭 #AskTheLeadershipExpert]
Q&A Highlight
🤔 Submit your question: DM me, Jacqueline Twillie, on LinkedIn!

🏆 Winning Season Spotlight

Leader in Focus: Nicole Lynn’s Historic Negotiation
The Journey: Nicole Lynn made history securing Jalen Hurts’ $255M contract—one of the biggest in NFL history. I recently shared a deep dive on my LinkedIn about her negotiation strategies.

The Impact:

• Strategic Positioning: She ensured Hurts’ value was undeniable before negotiations began.

• Patience & Leverage: Lynn timed negotiations for maximum impact.

• Confidence & Advocacy: She led with data, not just passion.

📌 Save the Date: March 1, 2025 – Annual Negotiation Workshop usually $299 (Free to RSVP for this event only)!

🛠️ Action Items
This Week’s Focus:

• Download: Negotiation Power Phrases

• Practice: Try relationship-building before negotiating with high-context clients.

• Implement: Apply the “Yes, And” approach in your next difficult conversation.

🤖 AI Tools I'm Trying (So You Don't Have To)
This Week’s Test Drive:

• Tool Name: Gamma

• What It Does: AI-powered presentation creation

• Why I Like It: Simplifies deck building with AI-driven design and collaboration features

• Watch Out For: Limited customization options

• Best Use Case: Quick, professional-looking presentations without design skills

• Verdict: Worth trying if you want to streamline presentation creation!

Stay bold, stay strategic, and keep leading with resilience. I can’t wait to hear how you apply these insights—let’s keep the conversation going! See you next week!

📢 Connect with Jacqueline Twillie

Are you new to the newsletter? Subscribe for free to stay plugged into leadership strategies that actually work.

Follow me on LinkedIn for fresh insights on leadership, negotiation, and executive presence.

🎙 Listen to the latest episode of the Winning Season Podcast → Click here

📚 Grab my books while they’re on sale! → Shop here

Want me to speak at your next event? Check my availability for a virtual keynote or workshop designed to help your team navigate leadership challenges with confidence.

📅 SAVE THE DATE! My Annual Free Negotiation Workshop is March 1, 2025 → RSVP here

Interested in 1:1 executive coaching? I support leaders with straight-to-the-point strategies to build executive presence, lead with authority, and negotiate for what they deserve. If you’re ready to level up, let’s talk—I’d love to learn more about you.

XoXo, Jacqueline Twillie

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