How to Navigate Tough Talks in Leadership No Matter How The Other Person Reacts
In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we dive into one of the biggest reasons leaders avoid hard conversations—the fear of emotional reactions.
Whether it’s tears, silence, deflection, or defensiveness, these responses can make even the most seasoned leaders second-guess themselves. But brave leaders don’t avoid the discomfort—they prepare for it.
We explore:
The four most common emotional reactions during tough talks
How to respond with calm, clarity, and compassion
What to say when someone shuts down, cries, or pushes back
How to stay centered and protect your energy in emotionally charged moments
If you’ve been holding back from saying what needs to be said because you’re unsure how they’ll respond, this episode gives you the tools, mindset, and language to show up bravely—no matter the emotion in the room.
Learn how to lead through emotion with grace and grit—and turn tough conversations into transformative ones.