This is the second blog post in a series of three.
Are you ready to transform the way you give and receive feedback? Join me on a journey through the art of feedback in a three-part blog series. Discover the power of praise and recognition, delve into the realm of tough, performance-related feedback, and unlock the secrets of coaching for progress. Get ready to elevate your communication skills, foster growth, and drive success in every aspect of your life. Stay tuned for practical tips, real-life examples, and actionable strategies to master the art of feedback and unleash your – and your teams - full potential. Are you ready to revolutionize the way you approach feedback? Let's embark on this transformative journey together to be better Next Gen Leaders!
Having Courageous Conversations
Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful relationships, both personally and professionally. However, many of us shy away from difficult conversations, fearing potential conflict or discomfort. These courageous conversations, although challenging, are essential for growth, clarity, and mutual understanding. By exploring key elements like coaching techniques, versatile delivery methods, and actual steps we can take to frame a conversation so we get the desired results, experienced and emerging leaders can navigate these conversations with confidence and purpose.
In this blog, we’ll delve into the importance of tackling tough talks head-on, the consequences of avoiding them, and practical steps to ensure your message is received with empathy and clarity.
But first, did you know*:
67% of managers are uncomfortable talking with people they lead…
AND admit to actively avoiding difficult conversations.
The same study also revealed:
70% of employees admit to actively avoiding difficult conversations with their managers, colleagues and direct reports
That leaves no one having the conversations that matter.
The courage to have these conversations is what can turn you from a leader, to an extraordinary leader!
Who Really Suffers?
When courageous conversations are avoided, the entire team suffers from unresolved conflicts, deteriorating trust, and reduced morale. Clients and those served experience inconsistent and subpar service, potentially damaging relationships and trust in the organization. Individuals needing coaching miss out on critical feedback necessary for their growth and progress. Leadership becomes ineffective, facing challenges in decision-making, fostering a negative culture, and ultimately hindering overall organizational performance. Without these essential dialogues, opportunities for improvement and genuine connections are lost, stifling both personal and collective development.
Where to Start – Steps to Preparing for a Courageous Conversation
Sometimes getting started is the largest roadblock. I recommend following these steps to help craft your words, making sure you and the person your coaching gets the most out of the conversation.
1. Detangle YOUR emotions: Reflect and manage your emotions to approach the conversation with clarity and calmness.
2. Get into their head and heart: Empathize with the other person's perspective to understand their thoughts and feelings.
3. Identify shared purpose: Find common ground to align both parties towards a mutual goal.
4. Identify outcome desired: Clearly define the desired result from the conversation for focused and productive dialogue.
5. Choose Delivery Method:
a. First Person: Share your perspective directly using personal experiences and feelings.
b. 3rd Person: Use neutral language to describe the situation objectively without blaming.
c. Direct Approach: Communicate straightforwardly with honesty and transparency.
6. Purpose – Fact – Impact – Questions: Structure the conversation with clear purpose, factual statements, the impact of the situation, and open-ended questions to foster deeper understanding and solutions.
Navigating difficult conversations can be challenging, but with the right approach and mindset, they can lead to incredible growth and understanding. I have also compiled some invaluable tips to help you handle these conversations with confidence and clarity. To dive deeper into these and equip your entire organization with these essential skills, I invite you to schedule a workshop tailored specifically for your team. Let's transform these tough discussions into opportunities for success and collaboration!
This is the second blog post in a series of three. Did you miss Part 1, The Power of Praise?
Feedback Matters: The Art of Elevating Success Through Acknowledgement, Improvement, and Growth.
If you would like to learn more about how to foster this within your organization, feel free to reach out.
This is a part of the Next Gen Leadership Program which is meant to help you Inspire Leaders to Create Leaders within your organization. Reach out today to see how we can work together to strengthen your team!
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