Prepare for the conversation you keep postponing.

Which conversation are you avoiding?

A coworker who keeps taking credit for your work

A boss who changes priorities without telling you

An employee whose performance needs to change

A crew member who isn't pulling their weight

A customer who's upset about a job or a bill

A partner, parent, or friend where the same fight keeps coming back

If you've rehearsed it in the shower and still haven't said it, start here.

From knot in your stomach to a plan you can use

1. Get specific. Describe what happened in plain words. Guided questions separate the facts from the story you've been telling yourself.

2. Find what's underneath. The Cleveland Method helps you name what each person actually needs, not just what they're arguing about.

3. Prepare your words. Get an opening sentence you can really say, plus calm answers for the pushback you're dreading.

4. Practice, then go. Rehearse in role-play, save your plan, and come back to it the moment before you walk in.

Your 30-second conversation card

Everything you need, on one screen you can glance at in the parking lot.

Sample

The situation: My coworker presented my project idea as his own in Monday's meeting.

What I need: Credit for my work, and a fair way to share future ideas.

My opening line: "Can I grab ten minutes? I want to talk about Monday's meeting before it turns into something bigger."

If he gets defensive: "I'm not trying to call you out. I want us both to get credit when we work together."

My ask: Name contributors in team updates from now on.

Next step: Follow up in writing by Friday.

Your plans stay yours.

What you write here is private. Your employer can't see it, even on a team plan.

Built by someone who's trained people through hard conversations for 20 years

Heidi Cleveland has more than 20 years of experience across manufacturing, healthcare, and business ownership, including 10+ years in supervisory and operations leadership. As a production supervisor supporting teams of up to 60 people, she was the go-to trainer, delivering conflict management, safety, and process improvement training to supervisors, team leads, and line workers. She later owned and ran her own fitness business, and today she trains and coaches medical assistants and coordinators in healthcare. The Cleveland Method is that experience, turned into a tool you can use the night before.

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt · Supervisory management training through UW–Stevens Point · Respectful Contrary and change management training

Start free. Upgrade when you need more.

Free — $0 — For one conversation at a time. Guided intake, Cleveland Method analysis, 1 saved plan.

Pro — $9.99/month — For ongoing support. Unlimited plans, what-if coaching, role-play, 30-second cards, reflections.

Manager Pro — Coming soon — For managers and team leads. Team conflict assessment, follow-up planning, manager workspace.

Frequently asked questions

Is this therapy or mediation? No. It's a preparation tool. It helps you plan and practice what to say. It doesn't replace a therapist, mediator, HR, or legal advice.

Is this a local service in Cleveland, Ohio? No. The Cleveland Method is named after its creator, Heidi Cleveland. It works online, from anywhere.

Who can see my plans? Only you. Not your employer, not your manager, even on a team plan.

What if the conversation is about safety or abuse? If you feel unsafe, please contact local emergency services or a trained professional instead of preparing a conversation alone.

The conversation won't get easier by waiting.

But it can get easier with a plan. Start yours in the next few minutes.