Navigate Difficult Conversations at Work

CareerCast - Life-long Career Development

Todd Davis How do you react when someone at work is challenging, rejects your ideas, and is even confrontational? Some people leave the situation, while others fight back. Todd Davis, a renowned leadership expert and best-selling author, recommends approaching difficult conversations confidently and empathetically. In this CareerCast episode, Todd provides practical tips and strategies to manage conflicts and foster better outcomes. Whether you're a seasoned leader or early in your career, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to improve their communication skills and build stronger relationships.

Aired April 19, 2024

For over 20 years, Todd has delivered numerous keynote addresses and speeches at leading business, industry, and association conferences, such as the World Business Forum (WOBI), the Chief Learning Officer Symposium, the Association for Talent Development (ATD), and HR.com. He has also presented at corporate events, many of which are Fortune® 100 and 500 companies. His topics include leadership, personal and interpersonal effectiveness, employee engagement, talent management, and building winning cultures.

Todd has over 35 years of experience in human resources, talent development, executive recruiting, sales, and marketing. He has been with FranklinCovey for over 27 years, serving as Chief People Officer and Executive Vice President for 18 of those years. In that role, he was responsible for global talent development in over 40 offices reaching 160 countries.

As a former director of FranklinCovey’s Innovations Group, Todd led the development of many of core offerings containing the company’s world-renowned content, and he continues to contribute to the development of new offerings. Davis has also served as director of recruitment and led a team responsible for attracting, hiring, and retaining top talent for the company.

Difficult Conversations Don't Have to Be Difficult: A Simple, Smart Way to Make Your Relationships and Team Better by Jon Gordon and Amy P. Kelly (2024)

Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, et al. (2023)

Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High, Third Edition by Joseph Grenny , Kerry Patterson, et al. (2021)

Stifled: Where Good Leaders Go Wrong by James G. Wetrich (2021)

Find Your Voice: The Secret to Talking with Confidence in Any Situation by Caroline Goyder (2020)

You're Not Listening: What You're Missing and Why It Matters by Kate Murphy (2020)

Speak With No Fear: Go from a nervous, nauseated, and sweaty speaker to an excited, energized, and passionate presenter by Mike Acker (2019)

Can You Hear Me?: How to Connect with People in a Virtual World by Nick Morgan (2018)

I Hear You: The Surprisingly Simple Skill Behind Extraordinary Relationships by Michael S. Sorensen (2017)

How to be Heard: Secrets for Powerful Speaking and Listening by Julian Treasure (2017)

Simply Said: Communicating Better at Work and Beyond by Jay Sullivan (2016)

Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well by Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen (2014)

Crucial Conversations Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler (2011)

Good Leaders Ask Great Questions: Your Foundation for Successful Leadership by John C. Maxwell (2016)

Humble Inquiry: The Gentle Art of Asking Instead of Telling by Edgar H Schein (2013)

FPO1

Read A Step-by-Step Guide to Navigating Difficult Conversations by Todd Davis.

Read the Excerpt