Conversation as a Core Strategic Process

The most widespread and pervasive development and learning no longer occurs in workshops, classrooms, conference rooms or boardrooms. It occurs over coffee, around the water cooler, in the corridors and the team’s kitchen. It is in emails, skype sessions, phone calls, instant messages, intranet-based groups and any internal social media applications. Every conversation is an opportunity to delve deeper, be more innovative, reinforce values, explain strategic priorities, support, inspire, ask questions, provide information and advice, share history, and (most of all) listen. Inquire about issues, approaches, opinions, experiences, obstacles. Spark a new insight, investigate a new perspective, explore an alternative path, suggest other sources of information. Offer feedback, seek feedback, ask advice. Make the person feel valued.

Management: Can You be Too Empathetic?

Empathy is a good trait to have. It allows us to understand the feelings of others, to predict the responses others might have to situations, and to engage with people on an emotional level. In management and leadership positions, it’s a very valuable trait, as staff respond positively to the feeling that they are understood and cared about. It makes the workplace feel as though it is a secure and comfortable environment when empathetic people are in charge.

We feel good when people understand us, when they “get us”, when they understand enough about us to provide the environment and the work that best suits us.  We feel like we can achieve anything when we are appreciated and understood.

I have worked with people in coaching situations and in Leadership Development Programs who have very low empathy. While these people are good leaders

Management Skills: Communicate for Performance

Communication is such a large part of life, and yet we rarely train ourselves to achieve the best out of communication.

We attend courses to learn how to do strategy, project manage and apply six sigma approaches. We read HBR and BRW, and a range of popular fiction. We might learn woodworking, French or Ancient Asian History. We have coaches and trainers – for business success, stress management, physical fitness, or life goals.

BUT how often do we focus on communication skills?