Many leadership frustrations are the result of conversations that didn’t happen, says leadership coach Dan Rockwell, who blogs at leadershipfreak.wordpress.com. “You pierce the veil of disappointing behaviors and poor performance by practicing courageous transparency, kind candor and forward-facing curiosity.” He offers these five questions as a starting point for tough conversations:
1. How might we move toward partnership?
2. What does success look like?
3. Who is responsible for change?
4. How will new behaviors be designed?
5. How will we be accountable to each other?
Remember to include positives in the conversation, says Rockwell. Make a list of their top contributions and strengths. And prepare for multiple conversations. Tough issues aren’t resolved with one conversation.
