Recently, however, their relationship has been strained. Ed thought Barry was giving him too much work to do without any real reward or incentive. As a result, Ed had repeatedly cancelled family plans to get the work done. Barry, on the other hand, didnt understand why Ed was treating him so coldly in recent weeks.

Ed decided he had to say something. He thought about saying, Barry, youre ruining my life with all the work assignments. Instead, he said, Barry, lately Ive felt overworked and wondered if we could talk about my work assignments. What principle of holding a difficult conversation is most at play here?

• staying calm and overcoming noise

• finding common ground

• avoiding either/or approaches

• assuming the best in others

• avoiding exaggeration

Barry was angry when he heard Ed say that. Barry thought about lashing out. Instead, he realized he was overreacting emotionally. He paused momentarily, then said, Ed, Im sorry youve felt overworked. Can you tell me why youve been feeling that way? What principle of holding a difficult conversation is most at play here?

• avoiding exaggeration

• staying calm and overcoming noise

• assuming the best in others

• avoiding either/or approaches

• finding common ground

Later in the conversation, Ed thought about saying, If you cant give me a more manageable workload, maybe its time to move me into a different team. Instead, he said, Im really hopeful I can get a more manageable workload soon. What do you think are the best options to make that happen? What principle of holding a difficult conversation is most at play here?

• staying calm and overcoming noise

• assuming the best in others

• avoiding either/or approaches

• finding common ground

• avoiding exaggeration

Barry replied, Ed, I dont want you to feel overworked. In fact, I dont want you to put in more hours than anyone else on the team, including me. Lets figure out how to improve your situation. What principle of holding a difficult conversation is most at play here?

• assuming the best in others

• finding common ground

• avoiding either/or approaches

• avoiding exaggeration

• staying calm and overcoming noise

Ed initially wondered if Barry was being sincere. He quickly thought to himself, Barry and I have worked so well together for so many years. I know he wants to help me out. I need to hear him out and try to work out a good solution in this case. What principle of holding a difficult conversation is most at play here?

• staying calm and overcoming noise

• finding common ground

• avoiding either/or approaches

• avoiding exaggeration

• assuming the best in others