Being seen, known and heard in our relationships-personal and professional-requires us to use our voices. But how many of us actually do? The fact is, for minorities in the workplace, there are often incentives to stay silent-particularly for people with traditionally marginalized identities. Many of us are guilty of not listening to others when we disagree with what they're saying or they aren't communicating in our preferred style. We assume, rebut and tune out. In short, we silence - even when we're going through the motions of listening. In an excerpt from her latest book, the author, a Harvard Law School professor, shares insights about 'voice' and tactics for leaders and individuals to encourage voice in those around them in their everyday interactions.

Seemingly overnight, digital tools, models and platforms have emerged from their traditional back-office function to become an unstoppable strategic force, revolutionizing every industry-and the global pandemic has only accelerated this transformation. As a result, today's executives-many of whom have little expertise or training in this area-are faced with many more technology-driven conversations, ranging from new value propositions to start-up investments to disruptive competitors. The result: they often get defensive about their ability to contribute. The authors, experts in difficult conversations, provide tools that will enable leaders to support the digital evolution of their organizations.

A difficult conversation is anything that is hard for someone to talk about. It can range from asking your boss for a raise to providing negative feedback to a subordinate to complaining to your neighbour about his dog barking. These conversations are particularly tricky because there is often a gap between what people are really thinking and what they say. In a wide ranging interview, two experts on the topic show that every difficult conversation is really about three things (what actually happened, our identity and our feelings). They provide tips for turning difficult conversations into learning conversations that benefit all parties.