How do you feel about having difficult conversations?

This SBI+ framework helps to make awkward discussions straightforward by giving you words to manage emotional reactions and not take things personally.

Instead of asking “Who’s wrong?”, SBI+ asks:“What happened, why did it matter and how do we do this better next time?”

When we clearly Describe the Situation and Name the Behaviour and its Impact, it reduces defensiveness and builds understanding.

Then you can co-create Alternative Behaviours which have Alternative Impacts and shift the focus forward, making expectations clear and showing the mutual benefit of change. The result is calmer conversations, greater accountability and more amicable, solution-focused outcomes.

Here’s an example:

In yesterday’s meeting (Situation), I was interrupted while I was speaking (Behaviour), which disrupted the discussion and made it hard to finish my point (Impact).

How can we stop this from happening in future and make sure everyone gets a chance to share their opinion? (Alternative Behaviour (co-created): We’ll listen more, allow everyone time to finish their point and keep our discussions respectful and productive (Alternative Impact)