u/Formal_Leadership709

Communication and assertiveness skill:

I need to have a difficult conversation with my manager who has told us all she is very stressed and has been talking to me and other colleagues in quite a confrontational way. I know the basic rules to stick to the facts, be clear and use 'I' statements.

I just don't know if it is useful or not to say 'I know you don't mean this but ...' Or even more, do I say 'I understand this was because you were stressed ...' I can't decide if that sounds understanding, like I'm trying to reach out, or condescending even confusing, like I'm trying to diagnose or tell her how to feel.