You have to talk with a colleague about a fraught situation, but you're worried that they'll yell or blame you or shut down. You fear your emotions could block you from a resolution. But you can communicate in a way that's constructive - not combative.

Difficult Conversations walks you through:

- Uncovering the root cause of friction
- Maintaining a positive mind-set
- Untangling the problem together
- Agreeing on a way forward

About HBR's 20-Minute Manager Series: Don't have much time? Get up to speed fast on the most essential business skills with HBR's 20-Minute Manager series. Whether you need a crash course or a brief refresher, each book in the series is a concise, practical primer that will help you brush up on a key management topic.

Advice you can quickly listen to and apply, for ambitious professionals and aspiring executives - from the most trusted source in business.