Check emotional readiness before entering the dialogue.
I
Intent & Impact
Define the precise purpose and intended outcome.
R
Resistance Anticipation
Prepare strategically for the other party's perspective.
O
Options Development
Develop potential solutions before friction occurs.
R
Results & Review
Clearly define what success looks like organizationally.
M
Mood
Set the precise tone required for constructive engagement.
I
Intent
State the purpose of the conversation transparently.
C
Core Conversation
Present the core issue factually and behaviorally.
R
Request Feedback
Listen, acknowledge, and clarify their perspective.
O
Options
Define collaborative and measurable next steps.
What is the M.I.C.R.O. Method™?
M.I.C.R.O. is a five-step in-conversation framework: Mood (set the right tone), Intent (state purpose transparently), Core Conversation (present the issue factually and behaviorally), Request Feedback (listen and acknowledge), and Options (define collaborative next steps).
What makes a conversation mission-critical?
A mission-critical conversation addresses one of three conditions: issues that impede organizational objective progress, behavior that is detrimental to the team or organization, or development opportunities that will advance the person, team, or organization. Not every difficult conversation meets this threshold.
