As you watch people who thrive under horrendous pressure, you quickly discover their source of strength. They don’t thrive because they experience stress, squeeze a beanbag, and then fall back into control. Most don’t feel stress in the first place.

Why is that? Because they know how to handle crucial conversations. When facing an apparent debacle, they don’t whip themselves into a frenzy by assuming the worst of others. Instead, they assume the best and then look for facts. They don’t hold court in their head about others and find them guilty before exploring the facts.

They also know how to express their strong opinions in a way that’s persuasive, not abrasive. How? They make others feel safe by assuring them of their own positive intentions and respect for them. Finally, they invite dialogue. This means they actually encourage the other person to disagree with them. By avoiding heated arguments, they keep emotions in check.

So here’s the big take away. Learn how to master crucial conversations, and cut off stress at the source.

Visit http://www.vitalsmarts.com/styleunderstress/ and take our free online Style Under Stress assessment. This short quiz will help you understand your tendencies to move toward silence, violence, or dialogue.