Fierce Conversations

I found the keynote on fierce conversations to be very interesting. I liked the point she made of conversations being “with someone.” You cannot have a conversation if (1) you don’t have anyone else there or (2) you are not there. If you don’t have anyone there and you are attempting to have a conversation, you may want to seek help. However, many people think they are having conversations, when in reality they are dividing their time and attention so much that they could hardly be considered a part of the conversation. I have been found guilty of this at times when talking to family. I will become distracted at times and begin browsing the internet or start a chore or task that so completely absorbs my concentration that I find I can’t really concentrate on either very well. Conversations like that would be considered “failed” conversations.

I would agree that our relationships, our careers, and our lives are built by the conversations that we have. In my own relationships, I find I truly value a person that I can communicate with and have truly “fierce” conversations with. I want to be able to be open, honest, and productive in my conversations with them and expect that back. In my careers, I left my last job because of failed conversations. I felt that I wasn’t understood or taken care of by my employer as I expected. There was a lack of communication, not just in words, but in action as well that led to failed conversations. I see also that in my life, my conversations with parents, friends, priesthood leaders, my wife, and the Lord have led me to become who I am. The fierce conversations that I’ve had in my life have been the great building blocks of my character.