# data[].attributes.body
Situations in which CC skills can be helpful for me: speaking with my husband about finances, political conversations with friends, conversations with co-workers when we disagree , speaking with students who are not living up to expectations

# data[].attributes.body
I can see the benefits of using the skills of CC in every situation when interacting with other minds.  CC
Is definitely a tool to use when talking about finacial
Issues with your spouse and your teen kids. Believe it or not CC has helped me communicate with my
Teens and receiving the benefits of great and in drpth
Conversations with positive results.

# data[].attributes.body
I can say that this CC book has a lot of good downto earth guidance. As a short goal right now I am
improving my CC with my teens and my students.
Listening has been one of the main adjustments
I have priotirized.

# data[].attributes.body
As a band director/percussion director, we find ourselves in situations that demand CC skills daily. I think one of the biggest dangers in working with students as often as we do is getting to comfortable with the idea that students just simply "understand where you are coming from". It is not dissimilar from how we treat family..... The more you are around someone, the more you expect them to "read your mind" and always understand your intentions. Clearly stating facts and expectations early and often have a way of clearing up many issues before they ever come to a head.

# data[].attributes.body
I have found that conversations in my household have been clearer and more productive from the beginning of this reading. The book has given me a renewed sense of patience and calm when listening to my wife and child. I find myself allowing them to add their meaning to the pool first in almost every situation, which has given us a renewed sense of conversational safety in our home.

# data[].attributes.body
Just today I found myself confronted by a student who was causing distraction during rehearsal and she informed me that she was offended that I called her out in front of the orchestra. She claimed I was targeting her and did it to embarrass her. I listened to her express her feelings before responding. I kept my emotions out of it, I acknowledged her feelings, apologized for making her feel targeted, and outlined the behavior I witnessed. Next, we talked and together formed a plan for how to remove the temptations that cause her to act out.

This is one of many student conversations that CC skills has helped me with since I began reading.

# data[].attributes.body
A personal goal of mine is to apply these CC skills to my personal life. As my significant other and I begin planning for the future, purchasing a home this summer, marriage and family, we will have to have many crucial conversations to work through those planning steps and making successful choices.

# data[].attributes.body
CC skills can really help with parent conversations in my professional life and in my personal life I know I could use these skills dealing with neighbors.

# data[].attributes.headline
I really think I want to listen to others before I respond instead of having preconceived responses ready for the worst case scenario.  I also think I can take more the emotion out of my responses.

# data[].attributes.subject
I really think I want to listen to others before I respond instead of having preconceived responses ready for the worst case scenario.  I also think I can take more the emotion out of my responses.

# data[].attributes.body
It is difficult at times to stay focused on the conversation at hand. CC skills can help with really understanding how you behavior or react under pressure or when you are emotionally charged. That is what I struggle with the most :-)

# data[].attributes.body
My short term goals include being certain to think about where others are coming from before having a CC. I also try to bring positivity to the CC so that my intentions are never seen as harmful or untrustworthy.

# data[].attributes.body
These skills are giving me ways to actually engage in these crucial conversations when otherwise I might avoid them. I recognize my own fears about unknown possible outcomes of conversations with colleagues that I know (KNOW!) are important to the success of the students.
I really appreciate the reflection this book allows and is helping me to be more self-aware.

# data[].attributes.body
My short term goal is to use these skills in important conversations with our amazing elementary art teachers, as well as colleagues at my school. These readings have given me some courage where fear has sometimes resulted in my silence. I can't wait to see how things go!

# data[].attributes.body
As educators our product is people. Relationship building is critical for success. Whether dealing with students, parents, or administrators, we all have opportunities to impact others. When the situation for a cc occurs, we may only have one interaction that will set the tone for a specific relationship. Regardless of the situation I am trying to be intentional in my conversations with other. As we go through another recruiting season, everyone is working hard towards the same goal.

# data[].attributes.body
I was never terrible at crucial conversations, but this book has made me reflect so much on all the crucial conversations both with my spouse and at work that were not my best and I've been able to identify my role in the failure of those conversations. I have already noticed a difference in my ability to stay calm and focus on mutual purpose in conversations since learning some of the strategies in CC.
I mentioned this in a response earlier, but being on a new campus has brought up more difficult crucial conversations than I typically face at work. No one knows each other very well and no one has time to get to know each other because we are all busy building programs and traditions on a new campus. We have to deal with crucial conversations all the time as we build and navigate through new relationships. Creating mutual respect is so important, and understanding that everyone is trying to do their best and feels unsafe when diving in to a crucial conversation with a relative stranger helps to keep me focused on creating a safe space for conversation and creating mutual purpose for our students.

# data[].attributes.body
My goal is to avoid creating stories based on my emotions. The next 4-6 weeks is a stressful time at work and at home as my husband and I juggle our UIL season with a two-year-old in tow. I'm committed to not letting my exhaustion create communication breakdown.

# data[].attributes.body
Every year is different, and this year I find myself reflecting on how CC and my students come into play. I know we all have challenging students, but this year we have an even higher percentage than usual. As I reflect, I think about how it was much easier to see the students perspective when I was younger. Now that I have been around the block a few times I am relating to parents much easier but need to reevaluate some habits that I have fallen into in dealing with students.

# data[].attributes.body
I feel like the short term goal for me is to stay the course with the tactics discussed in CC. It has been fairly easy to remember the tenants in the book as January can be a pretty low stress month. As we enter the heart of contest season I know my tendencies and how easily I can be drawn offsides and let my emotions get the best of me. These check ins are great reminders and I am finding that the two week cycle is perfect for keeping me honest and in check!

# data[].attributes.body
I apologize for the multiple posts. Next year's study needs to be on how to work technology, apparently. In the short term, I am trying to engage people early, factually, and emphatically. I can honestly say it is working. It sounds silly as we should always display these traits in our communication. I often find that I try to handle conversations with humor and that is not always the most effective route. I appreciate the study. Happy TMEA!!

# data[].attributes.body
I have two short term goals. 1. To engage with my husband in a conversation about a difficult topic without letting my emotions overtake the situation. 2. I want to use the strategies of contrasting statements and creating a mutual purpose in at least three crucial conversations with co-workers.

# data[].attributes.body
As an educator, I am excited to bring a model of how difficult conversations can go. To share some of these strategies with students who are struggling dealing with others. As a music professional, I can integrate these skills to continue advocating for my profession and for the arts as a whole. As a coworker, sharing spaces with others in a school environment can be frustrating and already I have seen how the strategies can help me change how I approach people and conversations differently within my team and within the school community. As a children's music director at my church and within my community, I often run into situations where people from all different walks of life interact and often clash - this now looks to me like an opportunity to embrace and grow instead of a meet that I may have avoided in the past.

# data[].attributes.body
This reading has been so revolutionary for me that it's almost difficult to isolate one or two goals. I am definitely focusing on my "why" first and foremost. Asking myself what I really want when dealing with difficult situations will be (and already has been) a vast difference in how I approach and plan to approach these crucial conversations. By asking myself why I can further my conversation with that person and even the relationship with that individual to further both of our goals in a way I wouldn't have imagined before reading this book.
Another goal of mine is to stay on track by recognizing my physiological responses, and redirecting the focus on the facts.
My third goal is maintain a mutual respect in all conversations from here on out. I know I can only be responsible for myself, but by truly finding similarities with others and respecting that person's differences and common purposes I can help establish a dialogue of cooperation

# data[].attributes.body
Every day I am experiencing new situations with students, parents, colleagues, and administrators. Each time I find myself feeling anxiety about a feared potential outcome, it gives me an opportunity to work on my CC skills. I think the conversations that can be impacted the most for me are my conversations with students. The skills I am practicing with CC help me find my purpose and keep an open heart with my students, even when I am feeling conflicted about a situation.

# data[].attributes.body
I think two goals I could focus on over the next 2-3 months are being able to identify crucial conversations when they are happeningin the moment conversations, as well as spend time identifying what I really want in anticipation of a CC. The more I am able to identify potential or impromptu CC, the more practice I have at applying the skills I've gained so far.

# data[].attributes.body
Sometimes, wisdom is knowing whether or not it is your responsibility to have that crucial conversation.

Because I’m at a new school and a new district, I am being careful to know when and where to take care of problems myself, as opposed to when my principal would rather that she take care of things.

I ran into an issue with a special ed student who had auditioned and been selected to be part of a select group.

This particular group meets during a part of the day set aside for study hall, but during which student can be “drafted” to work on special projects with teachers.

About two weeks into the process, I received an email from a special ed teacher on campus, telling me that I shouldn’t be drafting this student.

Rather than answering the email, I quietly went to visit with my principal to see if I’d misunderstood what I was allowed to do.  She let me know that I was in the right and that she would take care of it.  She then got on the phone with the other teacher and worked it out, while I was in her office.

Having observed this other teacher now for a bit, I’m glad that I went the route I did, as I believe that crucial conversation others have tried to have with her have been less than successful. However, since my principal is a former special teacher, she knew exactly what to say and do to make this work for this particular student.

# data[].attributes.body
Begin with the end in mind - knowing what I really want BEFORE beginning the conversation

Recognize when stressors are causing me to behave in certain ways BEFORE there are long term consequences

Strive to see others as both reasonable and rational

# data[].attributes.headline
I have found the resources in CC to be incredibly helpful in any conversation with others! As a recovering shy individual, I am always looking for ways to improve on how to navigate sticky conversations or "crucial conversations. Some of the specific ways this has helped me is in conversations with superiors and parents of my students.

# data[].attributes.subject
I have found the resources in CC to be incredibly helpful in any conversation with others! As a recovering shy individual, I am always looking for ways to improve on how to navigate sticky conversations or "crucial conversations. Some of the specific ways this has helped me is in conversations with superiors and parents of my students.

# data[].attributes.body
This book has been extremely helpful in talking with students. When addressing a behavior or unmet expectations in effort or performance, I have been able to create a safe environment to establish the facts and find a solution with the students. I have also had great improvement in conversation with friends, family, and coworkers in regards to work, politics, or religion.

# data[].attributes.body
I would like to be as prepared as possible when I am planning to initiate a crucial conversation. I want to know my heart, motivations, and goal going into the conversation.

My second goal is to improve my storytelling when I realize that a conversation has become crucial. I want to be sure to ask myself about my role, the other's rational motivations, and return to what I really want from the conversation, and what would I do if I really wanted to reach my goal.

# data[].attributes.body
I feel confident that I am being more purposefully aware when engaging in conversations with colleagues, students, parents and vendors. I am focusing on how I choose to react so that I will not need to diffuse potentially difficult moments that arise.

# data[].attributes.body
My short term goals are :
1. To avoid bias  because of storytelling
2.Listen critically and practice empathy
3.Consider the viewpoint that is not my own.

# data[].attributes.body
As the assistant director, I am dealing with the bulk of the students on a daily basis in both of the bottom bands, which are comprised of mostly freshmen and sophomores, the groups most likely to need interventions from adults in their academic and behavioral work. These conversational skills can improve my relationship with them early on in making sure that my interactions with them are efficient and safe, providing a stable path for successful future in our program.

# data[].attributes.body
I would like to be able to be able to recognize at least once or twice a week when I may be in a crucial conversation and actively take the steps described. I am still having a difficult time in the moment in making these behavioral changes.

# data[].attributes.body
I believe that conversations with people that I am collaborating with can be improved by what I have learned through crucial conversations. I have learned to really think about my tactic and how they may respond before reacting or addressing a situation.

# data[].attributes.body
I believe I can work on being a better communicator. I want to make sure my needs or perspective is clearly communicated. I also want to make sure that I am being a better listener when others have something to say.

# data[].attributes.body
There is a particular class that I teach this year where communication among the class has been quite difficult as most students have quite a bit to say and want to say it as soon as it comes to their minds. As their teacher, I care about what they have to say and through this book, I have been given more tools on how to navigate these situations with a level head and caring heart. I hope to continue this plan in further improving these skills to help navigate my students through these classroom lessons.

# data[].attributes.body
In my current role I am very happy with and get along great with my boss and colleagues. At this point in the year, the crucial conversations I am having are with 8th grade students who have one (or two) feet out the door and now are apathetic to middle school and their classes. Starting with Heart and Make is Safe are skills that have been helpful in these conversations. Middle school can be a rough time in a students life and if they are acting out then that means there is most likely something going on that is causing them to feel that way.

# data[].attributes.body
I find myself needing the CC skills when speaking with my principal.  My campus has a lot of traditions and expectations that I am learning as I go.  Emotions can be easily charged when dealing with performances, choir and parents.

# data[].attributes.body
I have the goal of applying these skills to my personal life as I approach difficult subjects with my teenager.

Professionally, I am planning to speak with my principal about our schedule, as it is not working for our specials team.  Everyone is very upset and complains, but is not willing to address the issue directly.