Keeping calm and focused on the issue when a conversation becomes heated is a key skill for all Leaders to master. Easy to say, not so easy to achieve. Even though I am typically calm and patient, I have been know to ‘lose it’. I regret not maintaining composure, because it takes away from the purpose of the discussion and chips away at trust.
Leaders must be clear and concise about their expectations and ensure that Team Members understand those expectations. Checking for understanding, following up periodically, and providing on-going timely feedback, are daily practices that reduce the need for those ‘difficult conversations’.
A participant in the Sage Conversations for Leaders and Teams Program, M.G., a new Leader, tended to avoid giving feedback that she expected would be received negatively. Practice during the program revealed to her that bringing up uncomfortable topics proved to be easier than she thought. On one occasion, a Team Member even thanked her for pointing out an offending behaviour of which she was unaware.
“I dreaded my first round of performance review meetings! But they went surprisingly well. Things that I expected to be controversial were accepted and we moved on to goal setting for the next period with ease.” M.G.
M.G. recognized that she expected the worst and over thought her performance as a leader. Now, she takes time to pause before responding. She clears her mind of negative chatter, and approaches her Team Members with openness. She credits this change to a new found belief that whatever the challenge, she is confident that there will be a gift and opportunity in it.
Handling difficult conversations and behaviours are the most commonly voiced challenges by leaders.
When you increase ‘sage conversations‘ you reduce the number of difficult conversations that arise and when they do, those leaders who have gone through the program have learned the formula to handle them with ease.
If you have a tendency to avoid difficult conversations or find people’s behaviour frustrating, this program will change your perspective, and your outlook. It will equip you with the the tools, training, and confidence to proficiently navigate through any difficult conversation.
It will work for you!
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