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We will feature "best of" content from the Crucial Skills archive through the end of July. Today’s article was originally published in 2020.

And don't miss our webinar with Joseph Grenny, available on demand. Now more than ever we need skills to disagree civilly. Democracy depends on it.
How to Be There for a Dying Friend
by Joseph Grenny

How do you best help a friend that has only days to live? I assume being a good listener is important, but is there anything helpful that I should say?

Signed,
Hoping to Help

For purposes of my response, I’m going to assume this is a close friend, not simply an acquaintance. If your relationship is weak, they may find stress rather than comfort in your presumption of intimacy. But if they feel safe with you, if you’ve earned their trust, you should assume nothing less than that. This is when true friends show up. Here are some thoughts about how to show up.
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Civility Isn’t Weakness: Four Skills for Speaking with Strength, Not Force

Now more than ever it’s important we dialogue civilly and respectfully. Democracy depends on it. If you missed our live webinar with Joseph Grenny yesterday, you can still watch it on demand and learn how to speak with strength, not force.
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Aug 12–16

Crucial Conversations® for Mastering Dialogue

Join us live online and learn how to:

  • Resolve conflict.
  • Speak your mind truthfully and tactfully.
  • Reach alignment when stakes are high and opinions vary.
  • Navigate the most important interactions at home and work.
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Empathy has no script. There is no right way or wrong way to do it. It’s simply listening, holding space, withholding judgment, emotionally connecting, and communicating that incredibly healing message of ‘You’re not alone.’
 
—Brené Brown