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The 3-second trick that saves careers
What Harvard discovered about high-stakes conversations (and why most leaders get it wrong)
Hey Resilient Leader 👋
Master Every High-Stakes Conversation
Promotion talks, restructure briefings, performance reviews. Each critical conversation can shift your career in minutes. Even seasoned leaders feel that quick pulse and damp palms before the door closes.
When hybrid schedules limit daily connection and economic pressure raises the stakes, every meeting tests your influence. When the room goes quiet, here's your playbook.
When hybrid schedules limit daily connection and economic pressure raises the stakes, every meeting tests your influence. When the room goes quiet, here's your playbook.
The L.A.T.T.E. Method
Look, Anticipate, Think, Talk, Evaluate
L, LOOK
Pause for three seconds. Read faces. Steady your breath.
🧠 Pro tip: Count four beats in, six beats out. This shifts control from amygdala to prefrontal cortex (Harvard Medical School, 2022)
A, ANTICIPATE
List possible derailers, budget worries, scope creep, then acknowledge and redirect.
💬 Try: "Let's note the budget question. We'll return to it after we confirm the core issue."
T, THINK
Address observable actions. Invite perspective. Leave judgment out.
💬 Try: "Our last three deadlines slipped. What are you seeing?"
T, TALK
Use prepared power phrases with intentional pauses. Steady words convey confidence.
💬 Try: "Here's what success looks like for each of us."
E, EVALUATE
Live: Keep written non-negotiables visible. State boundaries when crossed.
Reflect: Within 24 hours, record lessons and send next step summary.
Reflect: Within 24 hours, record lessons and send next step summary.
💬 Try: "Language that blames slows progress. Let's move to solutions."
🎯 Practice Principle
Circle one skill you already own and one that needs attention. Rehearse the weaker move during routine updates so familiarity carries you when pressure rises.
Ready to Master Every Conversation?
The latest Winning Season episode explores each step with real examples.
🎧 Listen on Spotify📧 Share This MethodFound this helpful? Forward it to someone who faces tense meetings.
Your feedback guides future topics, reply and tell me what resonates.
In gratitude,
Jacqueline