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Do you ever feel like there's a hidden agenda?

Writer's picture: Alice SheldonAlice Sheldon

Do you ever feel like there's a hidden agenda that is getting in the way of achieving what you would like to in a conversation? That something is going on for the other person that isn't being said?


Please do watch this video tip to help with how to name unspoken needs, or read the transcript below.


💭 Introduction: Sometimes, the most important needs are the ones that aren’t being said out loud. How do we address those?


💭 Main Tip: If something feels ‘off’ in a conversation, you can experiment with trusting your intuition and gently surfacing the issue. What you want to do is to find a way that feels comfortable for you to name the unspoken need. 


💭 Example: For instance, if a client seems hesitant after you have presented a solution, you can try saying openly, “I’m hearing you sound a little unsure. I’m wondering if you’re looking for some reassurance about who is going to be handling the contract?” This kind of conversation can create space for honesty and deeper understanding.


💭 Over to you: This week, you could pay attention to what’s not being said in your conversations. Practice naming it—and see how the dynamic changes. If it’s too much to say anything out loud, you can do this in your head to start with, to get practise in focusing at a needs level on where the issue might really be. 


💭 Closing: You may find that you are surprised at how often people appreciate your courage to ask—and how it can lead to better outcomes for everyone.

Commentaires


What people say
2024.02.29 Jonny.jpg

Needs Understanding is such a powerful and flexible tool.

It's helped me to find new ways forward in challenging situations, and to build even stronger relationships.

Jonathan Parr, Headteacher,

UK Junior School

©2024 by Needs Understanding

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