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How can leaders handle difficult conversations without giving in or escalating the conflict?

In this episode of The Leadership Buzz, Buzz Buzzell explores tactical empathy from Chris Voss’s bestselling negotiation book, Never Split the Difference. Tactical empathy is not agreement, and it is not lowering the standard. It is understanding what a situation feels like from the other person’s side and showing them you hear it.

Buzz shares practical leadership communication tools from Chapter 3, including Voss’s “labeling” technique: phrases such as “It sounds like…” and “It seems like….” He also tells a story from nuclear operations where a disagreement with another organization shifted when he acknowledged their frustration.

If you lead people, manage conflict, negotiate, or need to have a hard conversation at work, this episode will help you build trust and move the conversation forward.

You will also get three coaching questions to practice tactical empathy this week.

Work hard. Tell the truth.

Subscribe so you do not miss future conversations, and if this helps, share it with a leader who is navigating tough talks and leave a rating or review so more people can find the show.

The Leadership Buzz is hosted by Lloyd “Buzz” Buzzell, an ICF-ACC executive coach, DISC practitioner, and retired U.S. Air Force officer with 37 years of leadership experience. Each episode focuses on one book, one idea, and one practical leadership concept to help you align your behavior with your values and lead with greater clarity, trust, and impact.

If you’re a leader who wants to build stronger teams, improve communication, and create real ownership, subscribe and share this episode with someone on your team.

Connect with Buzz on LinkedIn or visit workhardtellthetruth.com for coaching and leadership development resources.

Work hard. Tell the truth.