Law.com Subscribers SAVE 30%

Call 855-808-4530 or email [email protected] to receive your discount on a new subscription.

A Key to Success: Start the Difficult Conversation You're Avoiding

By Rudhir Krishtel
October 01, 2023

As lawyers, many of us tend to avoid difficult conversations. Although by nature, we are professional communicators — arguing a case in court, negotiating a business deal, and advising clients are examples of our expanded capacity for critical communication skills. Outside of offering incredible legal services, however, legal professionals tend to avoid having difficult interpersonal conversations with colleagues and clients.

We can negotiate a billion-dollar deal or make a clear case in court, yet have trouble walking down the hall to have a difficult conversation with a colleague about splitting credit or originations on a matter. How many lawyers do you know who have trouble giving or receiving real constructive feedback? Giving a client the hard news they may not want to hear? Fearing conversations about compensation or promotion? Or addressing or approaching issues related to paying the bills? This avoidance can harm workplace productivity and relationships, but also can have a huge impact on our well-being and stress.

Avoiding difficult conversations and the communications gap it creates is pervasive. An article from Harvard Business Review cites that over 60% of managers are "uncomfortable communicating with their employees." Out of this number, giving criticism and demonstrating vulnerability were top reasons they were uncomfortable.

This premium content is locked for Entertainment Law & Finance subscribers only

  • Stay current on the latest information, rulings, regulations, and trends
  • Includes practical, must-have information on copyrights, royalties, AI, and more
  • Tap into expert guidance from top entertainment lawyers and experts

For enterprise-wide or corporate acess, please contact Customer Service at [email protected] or 877-256-2473

Read These Next
How Secure Is the AI System Your Law Firm Is Using? Image

In a profession where confidentiality is paramount, failing to address AI security concerns could have disastrous consequences. It is vital that law firms and those in related industries ask the right questions about AI security to protect their clients and their reputation.

Fifth Circuit Rejects Majority 'Independent Economic Value' Test for Infringement Damages Image

Most of the federal circuit courts that have addressed what qualifies either as a "compilation" or as a single creative work apply an "independent economic value" analysis that looks at the market worth of the single creation as of the time when an infringement occurs. But in a recent ruling of first impression, the Fifth Circuit rejected the "independent economic value" test in determining which individual sound recordings are eligible for their own statutory awards and which are part of compilation.

The Power of Your Inner Circle: Turning Friends and Social Contacts Into Business Allies Image

Practical strategies to explore doing business with friends and social contacts in a way that respects relationships and maximizes opportunities.

AI Governance In Practice Image

Regardless of how a company proceeds with identifying AI governance challenges, and folds appropriate mitigation solution into a risk management framework, it is critical to begin with an AI governance program.

Authentic Communications Today Increase Success for Value-Driven Clients Image

As the relationship between in-house and outside counsel continues to evolve, lawyers must continue to foster a client-first mindset, offer business-focused solutions, and embrace technology that helps deliver work faster and more efficiently.