Topic 4 Have Patience

Have Patience but expect progress!

Because conversations can be sensitive and emotional, you also must be in tune with your own readiness for the conversation. You may find that you are not in an emotional state that allows discussion. It is extremely common, especially when you have this conversation perhaps for the first time. If that is the case, don’t be afraid to ask for the time you need. You might want to say: “Hold up. I know didn’t mean it like this, but what you just said really upset me. I need a little time to get to a place where I can discuss it with you. Can we meet for tea tomorrow?” This allows the person who speaks up to be able to have patience with the initiator, which is important for productive conversations. Patience, however, only lasts a certain time. When we give the initiator the gift of feedback, we expect progress in return. We expect that they will follow their own guidelines and we expect that they will make an effort to improve their behaviour.