Prime Your Conversational Spaces for Increased Trust, Connection and Success

PACE Acronym for Greater Trust, Connection, Success

Every conversation happens in time and space. Something you might not have been taught is that we have more control in this space than we think. Priming your conversational space is the preparation that results in more successful outcomes and stronger connections in all of your conversations. Read on to learn how to implement these tools for greater trust, connection, success and conversational outcomes.

Priming involves planning the right time and physical space to have conversations. A common blind spot is failing to take this step, which can result in conflict, undesired outcomes and decreased trust. Today I’d like to teach you how to prime your spaces for productive conversations that build trust using the PACE method. This acronym stands for each of the targeted areas to address to prime your space: Physical, Aspirational, Co-Creation and Emotional. When I first taught this in my Conversational Intelligence® coaching certification, I was awestruck at the concept and results of priming a space for the outcome I intended.

It’s important to first get clear before having a conversation. Identify your intention and ideal outcome. By considering these factors and staying open to discovering together to understand each other’s realities, you will be able to close reality gaps and support better outcomes and connection. This helps avoid the common tendency of reacting to a situation.

Priming is an effective way to down-regulate your emotions when entering what feels like a conflict-prone conversational space. Check in with your emotions and those of the other participant in the conversation. Do your best to remain calm, while simultaneously being honest about your emotional states.

Writing out your intentions from the above exercise will provide you with an effective tool to better manage your emotions and ability to stay focused. Anything you prepare will have a greater impact on the outcome!

Moment of Introspection & Leadership:

Most people aspire to be better at communication. Communication is a lifelong practice and requires your awareness to develop and grow your conversational skills. Practice makes the master. Most people have not placed attention and focus on learning, discovering and staying disciplined to try new ways of communicating. Most of us have strong patterns and old habits which hinder our growth and ability to become better communicators. In my experience, if the desire is present, as well as an organized plan to experiment with new methods and ask for feedback, the result is GROWTH!

For additional learning and support, check out the book Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott.

“Good communication is the bridge between confusion and clarity.”

— Nat Turner

REFLECTIVE & DISCOVERY QUESTIONS FOR THOUGHTS & JOURNALING

When was the last time you wish a conversation that you had went better?

How could you prepare differently by using the PACE method to have a better outcome?

FOR YOUR TEAM DAILY HUDDLE

What is one way we could become stronger at communicating through a difficult situation?