Navigate holiday conversations with ease—explore three simple strategies to foster connection and understanding in this month's Violet View.
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THE VIOLET VIEW

NOVEMBER 2024 | ISSUE NO. 5

 

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Here's your November issue of The Violet View—a monthly newsletter bringing leadership insights, straight to your inbox.

Hi there,
 
With shorter days, cooler weather, and a fast-approaching holiday season, I'm feeling called to slow down, reflect on the year, and create space for intentional connection.

 

Lately, this has looked like a Friendsgiving celebration with lifelong best friends, movies with my partner and son, more time in the Pilates studio, and working from a local coffee shop—a small luxury I rarely prioritize amid a packed work and travel schedule.

Stefanie at Uptown Cafe

This time of year — for many of us — offers a chance to pause, express gratitude, and prioritize relationships.

 

Yet, as with the "both/and" that life offers — more time with extended family and friends also brings anxiety and worry. In the US, we've had a month filled with political division and divisive rhetoric, all of which are accompanied by rather intense emotions. 

 

In these moments, despite the excitement of having space to spend time with loved ones, family time becomes more complicated, especially when differing perspectives or sensitive topics arise.

 

While certainly challenging, this is a time to practice and prioritize intentionality. A key leadership behavior — something I'd call a critical "human skill" — that we're often in the position to help our clients develop. 

 

[And oh yes, if you're wondering what it's like to have a psychologist at your dinner table, I can promise you it's a nonstop joy 😉]

 

What does intentionality around the dinner table entail?

 

It looks like taking a pause to consider what you're reacting to before you respond.

 

It looks like leaning into curiosity, asking open-ended questions instead of leading with 'comebacks', and actively determining what battles are worth your energy.

 

It looks like controlling the controllable. Remember you can't control people's reactions, words, or beliefs, but you can control your own. And if you're intentional with your engagement, you might find you're influential with your words too. Win-win.

 

Is this type of intentionality easy? Certainly not. 

Does it require more energy and focus? Absolutely. 

Is it worth it? Yes.

 

Whether you’re navigating a difficult discussion around the dinner table or managing conflict within an Executive team, how you show up in these conversations matters.

 

Read on for more guidance on how to approach these difficult conversations. 

 

Hope you, too, get time to slow down, pause, and reflect this season,

Stefanie

1. Lead with Genuine Curiosity

 

Approach conversations with an open mind and genuine interest to learn.

 

Instead of jumping to conclusions or immediately heading toward debate, ask thoughtful questions like, “What led you to that perspective?” or "I'm curious to better understand why you believe that."

 

This creates opportunity to understand others better and leads to exploration rather than confrontation.

2. Acknowledge Emotions Thoughtfully


When tensions rise, emotions can dominate. Ever feel your heart rate increase and your face heat up when frustrated? Does your voice go up an octave when you're feeling confronted? We can relate.

 

Whether saying, “It sounds like this is really meaningful to you,” or "I'm having a strong reaction to this, let's take a pause," acknowledging these feelings and reactions openly—for yourself and others—helps "diffuse" contentious situations, and ensures people feels heard and valued.

 

3. Pause with Purpose


Not every disagreement or conflict needs to be resolved immediately, or even at all. 

 

If things get tense, suggest stepping back: “Why don’t we take a moment and revisit this later?” Then, you get to decide if it's worth the revisit or not.

 

At the heart of these strategies — whether deploying them around the dinner table or in your workplace — is a commitment to better understanding and attuning to others and ourselves, which is one of the most meaningful gifts we can offer.

 

From our team to yours, wishing you a warm and happy Thanksgiving ✨

 

TVG Team at Eataly

Until next time..happy listening, learning, and leading, TVG community!

 

Have feedback for us or want us to feature a specific topic in an upcoming edition of The Violet View? Simply respond directly to this email – we’d love to chat and hear your insights.

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