Everywhere I go I hear people talking about the need for effective conversations. In the past month I have listened and coached clients about the following topics:
- How to address and re-clarify initial contracting agreements with a partner which were never put in writing.
- How to assertively set boundaries with a boss who's expectations for performance and engagement keep creeping beyond the original job description.
- How to have engaging positive performance reviews which involve sharing comparative rating information without de-motivating half the work force.
- How to apologize to your people for angry and inappropriate outbursts without losing face.
- How to set limits without escalating conflict with a boss who is a bully.
How to express empathy and support for someone you just had to down size.
- How to deal with mistrust of employees who feel angry about what they perceive as mistreatment and/or unfairness.
- How to talk to your boss about the frustration and anger you feel about getting left out of an important decision.
- How to engage people in conversations about difficult business decisions without it getting out of hand.
People everywhere are in need of deeper conversations. They have the desire to address important issues and yet hesitate. When I probe as to why, they express an underlying lack of confidence that they can handle any conflict arising in the course of the exchange. They fear escalation, explosion, negative repercussion and/or accepting a compromise or condition they never intended. Basically, they fear the unknown that comes when you enter deeper and more meaningful conversation. These conversations require a degree of courage and a spirit of exploration. And they require that you believe and trust you can handle anything that comes up.
Last month, I shared articles about the need for higher levels of employee engagement and its positive correlation with retention. Initiating and inviting these deeper conversations are critical to any serious employee retention effort and humanizes the workplace for all concerned.
With this in mind this past month I "road tested" a new offering called
Courageous Conversations: Four Keys to Addressing Conflict with Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime. Using insights from wisdom traditions these keys help you increase your personal self responsibility and respect for others. They enhance your ability to address conflict effectively and work collaboratively in your professional life, family and expanded community. The program was a huge success and I'm now adding it to my menu of services.
If you or your organization would like more information, please contact me. Information about Courageous Conversations executive coaching, in-house and public workshops will appear shortly in future newsletters and on my website.
This month I've also been
blogging about the importance of centered leadership in dealing with bullies. Bullying is on the rise and I hope you find information here useful in addressing this destructive dynamic.
The fall Sedona retreats and workshops are full. Future 2011 workshops will be posted on my website shortly.
I hope everyone is having a great fall!
Best,
Jamie
Centered Leadership: How Talented Leaders Thrive 
Combat Bully Behavior with Centered Leadership
How Workplace Jerks Do Their Dirty Work 