By Nick Tubach, MBA PCC. Being assertive is just an expression of your worth and, in the context of leadership, can help you create a collaborative and inquisitive team dynamic. Uncovering the “what ifs” often lead to positive and sometimes transformational change....
Tonya had a difficult conversation with Alison late last week about the research she’d failed to do for their team marketing project. Tonya had been stressed out, but she felt ready. Employing various aspects of one of Arden Coaching’s favorite books, Crucial...
When it comes to great leadership, much of what is known and talked about depends upon trust. From building high performance teams and inspiring employees to having difficult conversations, trust is the foundation upon which success in managing and leading others is...
Connor, the VP of Human Resources at a busy financial services firm, saw trouble brewing. After several years of steady business, the firm was growing at a rapid pace. Connor made many new hires over the past 18 months, and increasingly, there were issues between the...
You know you are speaking with “Point People” when their preferred communication style is to cut to the chase. They get impatient with the backstory and explanations that build to a conclusion or recommendation — the bottom line is what’s most important to Point...
Sometimes it’s difficult to imagine that there could be a reasonable, valid point of view that is different from yours. For example, Jenn, a team leader at an engineering firm, determined that it was important to fund a proposed program development project in the...
James was waiting for Robert at the office and, as the saying goes, “was loaded for bear.” James, the Department Director, had tolerated Robert’s behavior as long as he could stand it. Robert was a very smart person and a valuable asset to the company, but his...
Jen is constantly sarcastic. James shuts down and becomes silent when his point of view is not immediately accepted. After team meetings, Alanna engages in criticism and gossip with team members separately. For Amanda, the VP of Human Resources at a growing...
Every successful leader must learn how to effectively engage in difficult conversations. These “crucial conversations” — one of our favorite books is Crucial Conversations, written by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan and Al Swizler — address the tough...
Are you a “point person,” or a “story person?” If you can’t recognize these two communication styles — in yourself and others — and adjust to your audience, you’ll often find yourself annoyed and frustrated (This opening is written for point people.) Sarah was beyond...