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15 simple phrases to transform tough situations

Xuan Nguyen

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15 simple phrases to transform tough situations.pdf

5.6 MB

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The Tension Diffuser

Can you walk me through your thinking?

or we can use the question in the coaching habits

What’s on your mind?

together with exploring more information via the famous AWE question

And What Else?

Context & intention:

Creates rapport through listening

Makes it easy for others to speak up

Welcomes different opinions and stays humble

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The Problem solver

What’s one thing we can fix right now?

or we can use the question in the coaching habits

What do you want?

Context & intention:

Gets the ball rolling without overwhelming anyone

Keeps blame out of the picture

Encourages critical thinking

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The Team-Builder

We’re in this together, let’s get it done

Context & intention:

It doesn’t make anyone feel alone

Presents a united front

Helps brainstorm solutions under pressure

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The Space Giver

Let’s take a moment to cool off

or we can use a silent time

Context & intention:

Helps pause when emotions run high

Shows you care about getting it right

It gives everyone breathing room

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The Negotiator

Let’s figure out a win-win

Context & intention

Always look for a solution that works for all

Builds relationships for the long run

Turns challenges into wins

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The Bridge Builder

Help me understand your concerns

or the question from the coaching habits

How can I help

Context & intention

Makes meetings and discussions productive

Focuses on actionable planning

Encourages data-oriented thinking

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The Perspective Shifter

Help me see what I’m missing

Context & intention

Opens up a space for practical thinking

Shows you’re genuinely curious

Gets fresh eyes on the problem

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The Empathy Builder

That sounds frustrating

Context & intention

Listens without jumping to conclusions

Makes people feel heard and valued

Leads with kindness

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The Future Planner

Where do we want to end up?

Context & intention

Helps paint a clear picture of success

Keeps everyone looking forward

Makes the next steps clearer

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The Positive Spinner

This could be an opportunity to improve things

Context & intention

Help adopt life-long learning

Prevents future problems

Never let the team repeat the same mistake

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The Honest Speaker

This is tricky for me too

Context & intention

Admits when they don’t know something

Speaks with vulnerability

Creates space for honest and open communication

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The Team Player

How can I help to make this work?

or the lazy question:

How can I help?

Context & intention

Notices when someone is struggling

Offers help without asking

Always aims to get things done (not get credit)

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The Listener

Tell me more, I want to get it right

Context & intention

Seeks knowledge continuously

Respects your expertise

Isn’t threatened by smarter people around them

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The Calm One

I know this is important for you, let’s solve this one step at a time

or we can use this question as a step of comparison and have more critical thinking on the pros/cons of available options

If you're saying Yes to this, what are you saying No to?

Context & intention

Creates a culture of collaboration

Doesn’t crack under pressure

Gets innovative ideas to flowing

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The Humorist

Let’s understand what led to this so we can prevent it next time

or we can use the learning question from the coaching habits

What was most useful for you?

Context & intention

Looks past mistakes (including their own)

Creates a culture of experimenting

Encourages psychological safety

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