Established 1936 – John A. Collins, President

EMBASSY SUITES BY HILTON, GRAND RAPIDS DOWNTOWN

Big E's Sports Grille

710 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2024 – 7:15 AM

Having a difficult conversation can be an emotional and sometimes daunting experience. It's a moment when vulnerability is laid bare, and the stakes feel incredibly high. Your heart races, your palms sweat, and words may falter as you navigate the delicate balance between honesty and empathy. You may wrestle with the fear of hurting someone’s feelings or the anxiety of confronting a sensitive issue head-on. Yet, despite the discomfort, these conversations are vital for growth and resolution. They can lead to a deeper understanding, stronger relationships, and the clearing of misunderstandings that have lingered beneath the surface. Ultimately, the courage to engage in difficult conversations is a testament to our commitment to authenticity and connection.

It just so happens that a local author, who happens to be our good friend, Robert Heath, has written a book on how to have these difficult conversations. It is called  Courageous Communication: The Legacy Leader’s Guide to Overcoming Barriers, Empowering Teams, and Achieving Extraordinary Results. He will present to us the principles of courageous communication, offer practical strategies for communicating effectively and with confidence, and show us how to address difficult conversations to build stronger, more authentic relationships.

Invocation: Eric Nelson
Introduction: Jeff Kissinger

Courageous Communication

1. "Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen." - Winston Churchill

2. "It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it." - Lou Holtz

3. "Speak your truth, even if your voice shakes." - Unknown