“ M i n e ra l R i g h t s” C o n v e r s at i o n

taken from Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott

The name, “Mineral Rights” comes from a concept in the drilling industry, where it’s better to
drill one hole really deep than a hundred holes really shallow. The same is true of our
conversations. A mineral rights conversation is intended to drill deep into one area for
increased clarity, understanding of impact, and resolve for change. This conversation is
focused on the other person and should be led with questions and listening, not talking. In the
end, you will lean, tackle tough challenges and enrich your relationship with others.
Below are the 7 steps in the Mineral Rights conversation, with suggested questions.

Step One: Identify your most pressing issue

• What is the most important thing we should talk about?
• What is an issue that needs to be resolved?
• What are you hoping that I won’t ask you about or we won’t talk about?
• What conversation are you avoiding with someone else right now?

Step Two: Clarify the issue.

• What is going on? Help me understand.
• How long has this been going on?

Step Three: Determine the current impact. (This motivates change)

• How is this issue impacting you currently?
• How is this issue impacting others currently?
• What else? (ask this three times to mine for impact)
• When you consider the impact on yourself and others, what do you feel?

Step Four: Determine the future implications. (This motivates change)

• Imagine it’s one year from now. If nothing changes, relative to this issue, what’s likely to
happen?
• What’s at stake for you and for others relative to this issue?
• What else? (ask this three times to mine for impact)
• When you consider these possible outcomes, what do you feel?

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Step Five: Examine your personal contribution to this issue. (The Turning Point)
• How have you helped create this issue or challenge?
• How have you contributed to the problem?
• If you were an objective observer (or choose someone else): what would you say about
your contribution to this problem?

Step Six: Describe the ideal outcome.

• When this issue is resolved, what di erence will that make?
• When this issue is resolved, what results will you enjoy and celebrate?
• When this issue is resolved, what results will others enjoy and celebrate?
• What else? (ask this three times to mine for impact)

Step Seven: Commit to action.

• What is the most potent first step you could take to move this issue toward resolution?
• What’s obstacles will attempt to get in your way, and how will you get past it?
• When will you take this step?

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