Jefferson Fisher

How to handle rejection:

What you say after rejection says more about who you are than before rejection.

It's easy to be confident before rejection, but it's at that difficult time when your true character is revealed.

More in the video below.

Want to avoid an unwanted conversation at work?

Try these 3 strategies:

#1: Say, “I agree that’s an issue.” It keeps you neutral without picking sides.

#2: Stay vague: “You know, I’m not sure.” Neutrality takes the fuel out of the fire.

#3: Redirect: “I’d rather hear about you—how are things going?”

These simple phrases help you stay out of the drama and keep things moving.

Which response is your favorite?

3 easy ways to send a stronger email:

#1: Don’t start your email with “sorry”.

#2: Eliminate the excessive exclamation points.

#3: Watch the use of adverbs.

Navigating a tough conversation?

Here’s how to handle it:

#1: Skip the small talk.

Difficult conversations aren’t the time for “How are you?” Start with, “Thank you for taking the time to talk to me.”

#2: Ask for help.

Frame the conversation with, “I need your help with ___.” This shifts the dynamic from opponents to teammates.

#3: Wrap it up right.

End with, “I feel like we’re headed in the right direction. How about you?” Then pause. Give them space to respond or reflect.

And that’s how you handle a difficult conversation.

Want to sound more assertive?

Avoid these 3 phrases:

#1: “I hate to bother you, but…”

When you’re assertive, you’re not bothering anybody. You’re getting their attention. Instead say, “When you get a few moments, I’d like to grab your attention.”

#2: “Does that make sense?”

You’re doubting your ability to send a message or the other person’s ability to receive it. Instead ask, “Do you have any questions?” Or “Do you have any thoughts?”

#3: “I don’t want to,” or “I don’t like to.”

Your boundaries sound more assertive when you state them in terms of a preference. Instead, say “I prefer that you didn’t.”

Try that and follow me for more communication tips.

Invest in your words daily. There is power in a word spoken out loud. When you find your inner strength and realize the voice you heard was yours. This is a quote from my book, The Next Conversation.