In this episode of the Culture Focused Practice Podcast, Dr. Tara Vossenkemper dives headfirst into the awkward, emotional, and straight-up uncomfortable territory of hard conversations. This is episode two of a four-part miniseries, and it’s all about giving you actual words to say when shit gets real. We’re talking underperformance, weird vibes, cultural misalignment, and tense moments that need some follow-up.

Tara breaks down how to start these convos (without sounding like a panicked robot), how to hold the space when emotions spike, and how to wrap things up without leaving people in a fog. If you’ve ever rehearsed a confrontation 12 times in the shower and still bailed—this one’s for you.

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to the Miniseries
01:57 Types of Conflict Moments
05:28 Helpful Language for Starting Conversations
11:44 In-the-Moment Holding Language
18:38 Ending with Clarity
21:01 Action Steps and Conclusion

Wanna get better at saying the hard things and building a team that can handle it? Join the Culture Focused Practice Membership where we talk about this kind of stuff all the time (without corporate-speak or fluff).

If you’re looking for more structure and sanity, jump on the EOS Mastermind waitlist or come hang out with us in the free Facebook group, The EOS Collective for Group Practices.