Google used this framework to turn conflict into strength.
Steal it to level up your conversations.
The Harvard Negotiation Project analyzed thousands of tough conversations.
Google used it to teach how to work with conflict effectively inside the company.
This is my favorite step-by-step guide to navigating difficult conversations effectively:
1?? Content: Start with curiosity. Ask, “What really happened?” Avoid clashing perspectives by understanding first.
2?? Feelings: Recognize emotions. Ask, “How did this make me feel?” Ignoring emotions stops progress; acknowledging them creates space for solutions.
3?? Identity: Focus on actions, not labels. Swap “You’re confusing” with “This behavior made me feel confused.” Behavior-based feedback feels constructive, not personal.
4?? Problem-Solve Together: Use Dr. John Gottman’s “Two Circle” approach: Center Circle: Respect each other’s non-negotiables.
Outer Circle: Find a compromise on negotiable points.
Why it Works: Pause the urge to “fix” immediately. People need to feel understood first—then they’ll be open to solutions.
Tough conversations don’t get easy, but this framework helps make them productive.
What strategies do you use for difficult conversations? Let me know in the comments
? Repost this to help other leaders. And follow Matt Schnuck for more.
Behavior-specifically-based feedback feels constructive, not personal. Neither speculating nor reasoning intentional—both might hit a brick wall defense—shall be in place to judge the outcomes, as it might be purely accidental, the absence of mind, going through motion.
Lead the conversation by turning your comment into a post.
Marketing and brand strategist with a global portfolio of work, a list of over a thousand funders, and a productivity app in the works for neurodivergent types.
Diane P. Munson your account is less than 24 hours old, you have no followers, but sure, go on about your scam while we report you.
It really works. I’ve been using this approach, and the emphasis on ensuring understanding before problem-solving is a crucial step that can truly make the difference in turning conflict into an opportunity for growth. Ultimately, it’s not about avoiding conflict but about learning to navigate it with respect and openness, which strengthens relationships and builds trust over time.
Leadership Development, Positive Intelligence® Coach, Facilitator, and Speaker
I think we often get lost looking for a win versus looking for both parties to win. I love the simplicity of this framework because it supports the win / win. Thank you Matt Schnuck
Trust, Relationship, Reputation: Analyst, Consultant, Advisor and Communications
Slide 3: the feelings and identity are where life gets hard, whether we're in a one-down or one-up position or feel that we are. The masters know how critical learning (and its extremely challenging) how to traversd 2 & 3 are for productive conversations and movement towards conflict management or resolution: personal, work, business, social issues, politics.
Chief Product Officer - I help tech companies build better products and teams
Starting every conversation with genuine curiosity, empathy and understanding is everything, and is the key to resolving so many conflicts Matt Schnuck. Also, the framing of Content / Feelings / Identity is gold.
The Shrink for Entrepreneurs | Founder & CEO of Commit Action: Accountability Coaching for entrepreneurs who want to get clarity, move faster & grow their businesses like crazy.
You can level up your relationships with this technique, too:
When you have a problem with someone, call out their problematic behavior (vs calling out what’s wrong with their identity).
This makes you into a much kinder and more effective communicator in your most intimate relationships.
Helping visionaries achieve real change by aligning their goals and values | 90-Day Vision to Reality program $1997 | Gain clarity & improve decision-making | Compassion Key certified | Gently dissolve mental blocks
Conflict resolution is so important for long-term success, Matt Schnuck. Too many businesses and personal relationships sweep small stuff under the rug, with everyone just walking around the giant mound in the rug, until it's so huge, it can no longer be ignored. And boy oh boy, is it hard to avoid identity statements at that point!
Transforming leaders into communication masters. Teaching YOU to turn words into catalysts for breakthrough business results. Exec Communication & Sales Trainer, Neuro Performance Coach, Speaker, EWTS Guide. ?
When the heat is on, change your approach from arguing to collaborating. That’s where real change begins.
As Winston Churchill put it, “Difficulties mastered are opportunities won.” It may be hard, but that's what makes it meaningful.