James McKim teaches students how to hold difficult conversations

by Adam DiLiddo

James McKim’s Academic Showcase presentation, “How to Hold Difficult Conversations,” taught students different ways of handling and even understanding offensive discussions.

James McKim presenting a comic to demonstrate different perspectives (Photo: Adam DiLiddo)                                                                                       

As Managing Partner of Organizational Ignition, an organization specializing in helping companies sustain higher productivity, McKim explained the importance of discussion – even when it can offend or discomfort us.

“It’s not that any one perspective is wrong,” he said. “It’s how we interpret…the perspective of others.”

McKim noted that our messages can often be misinterpreted or not come out right at all, which can lead to unnecessary confrontation. “Seek to understand that other person first…and their perspective,” he said.

Sophomore Nolan Oppelt, who spectated the event, said, “People way too often immediately hear something that isn’t their opinion and think the person that said it is the worst person in the world. I think sometimes most of the time there needs to be understanding.”

Said understanding, McKim stressed, is important for the difficulty of troubling discussions to be lessened. Citing Saint Francis, he said, “Seek to understand before you seek to be understood.”