Hard Conversations

Hard Conversations

What is it like to negotiate a new contract as a professional athlete? How do you argue your value and worth, especially when you are getting older? Hard conversations are difficult for some. They come easier for others, and for even a few, they seem to just naturally fit their personality. Thank the Lord for agents!

I have progressed in my life to the point where I realize the benefit of hard conversations. They used to be difficult for me. But after a few laps around the track, I have realized that some of the most difficult conversations I have had have borne the most fruit in my life.

What is the aim of hard conversations? Is their purpose just to convey information, to get a person to submit, or is it something much greater? My purpose in having hard conversations is threefold.

Most important, I want to discover or reaffirm that the other person and I have the same heart. You see, I believe that if we have the same heart—a heart that desires the greater good and a similar outcome—we will make tremendous progress to get things cleared up. With the same heart, anything is possible.

Second, I am trying to discern what offense I may have committed. If I have offended my brother or sister, I need to humble myself and apologize for it. If I have been wrong, intentionally or unintentionally, I need to know it so that I can take responsibility and ask for forgiveness.

Third, I am trying to ascertain the path forward so I know what a win looks like. If I am to lead or follow, if I am to wait, or even if I am to just leave things at a place of peace, I need to know where the relationship is headed and what is expected.

What I know to be true is the call to unity that Scripture gives us. Psalm 133:1 says, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!” (NASB). May all of our conversations bring us to unity. If they have to be hard, may they bear fruit.

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!

Psalm 133:1, NASB