Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple. ― Dr. Seuss
Mike was an emerging leader. His personal development needs included his ability to communicate—especially with the owner of the company.
As Mike shared his story, I could see how his fear of confrontation made it difficult to effectively communicate with his boss.
Our conversation went something like this…
“Mike, how do you like being told what to…
Almost everything – all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure – these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart. – Steve…
The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right place but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting place.
– Dorothy Nevill
When was the last time you were in a meeting or a hallway conversation where you were 1) caught you off guard 2) talking about something that really matters, and 3) you were emotionally stirred up?
Okay, maybe…
Tom Peters, well-know business management thinker and author of In Search of Excellence writes…
“Management is about arranging and telling. Leadership is about nurturing and enhancing.” (Emphasis added)
Last week I shared my communication mantra:
Ask MORE, Tell LESS…Teach when You Can
Calling on the Quill Pig I pointed out the negative emotional affect of telling in communication. Telling usually shuts down dialog, discovery,…
Mike* is an emerging leader and coaching client. One week, as he shared a story, I could see how his fear of confrontation and wrong thinking about asking questions limits his ability to effectively communicate… especially with his boss.
Tell Less…
Our conversation went something like this…
“Mike, how do you like being told what to do? When you are given an assignment — you know what to do and how to proceed how does being…
In 1971, NBC television brought Columbo (Peter Faulk) into our living rooms. I love the guy.
As a Police Lieutenant, Columbo is this shabbily-dressed, seemingly slow-witted police detective. His style is disarming as he fumbles around in an overly polite manner. Of course this makes him an unlikely choice to solve any crime, let alone a complex murder.
Whether it is put on or his brilliance, disguised…
Perhaps you started this conversation with me last week. We continue looking at the power of these two words: “what” and “if”.
Remember, power provides us the ability, strength, and capacity to do something; to take action.
A question is simply a request for information, when properly framed it will help us stop and explore for truth. The power of a question comes from the truthfulness of the answer.
Truth Brings Freedom
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