When I think of how communication can make (or break) how well we do business, I remember a time early in my career when I was selling newspaper ads. There was a problem with a customer’s ad, and I had to call him to break the news.
I wasn’t an experienced leader or communicator then. I didn’t have the necessary skills for a conversation that complex. Not to mention, the customer was very angry and highly upset. He used some unpleasant words to share that feedback with me. Things didn’t end well, and moving forward from there was difficult.
That conversation didn’t work.
No matter how long you’ve been a leader, you’ve had conversations like this (or been in the room where it happened). It’s not uncommon, even for senior leaders.
Same Podcast, Different Focus
Most organizations don’t have a “people problem” or leadership issues. They have communication skills gaps. The great news? Effective leaders improve their communication and leadership skills one moment at a time by approaching their conversations with intention.
We’re revamping our podcast to equip you for that growth. What’s in the News for Leaders is now Conversations That Work. Our goal is simple: give leaders and teams practical strategies for more generative conversations. And something that simple can transform entire organizations for the better.
What Makes a Conversation Work?
It’s normal to feel a little intimidated by workplace communication. We all go into certain conversations thinking this is going to be hard— and sometimes it is. But engaging in important conversations is essential to get what we need from people we work with. It’s to our advantage to make the most of every opportunity to improve as leaders and communicators.
Starting this season, my guests and I will cover what makes a conversation work. We’ll talk essential leadership skills like:
- Clarity: Unclear communication and unclear leadership are cyclical, and they have a symbiotic relationship.Clarify one, gain confidence in the other.
- Practicality: Conversations that work give everyone what they need and are focused on finding practical solutions.
- Emotional Intelligence (EQ): We’re all human beings with emotions, and those emotions have a lot to teach us. Improving self-regulation and emotional intelligence keep us true to ourselves with less reactivity.
- Listening: Listening is active. Doing it well changes the trajectory of a challenging conversation.
- Curiosity: When we are skilled at asking questions, numerous pathways to collaboration emerge.
Conversations that work aren’t free from struggle. Practicing skillful communication one conversation at a time means challenges we face hold opportunities for building a more empathic, courageous workplace culture. And our expert guests are ready to help you build something that lasts.
Listen Today, Use it Tomorrow
For more than a decade, Willow North Growth Partners has helped leaders and teams have conversations that work through workplace training and development we personalize and customize for their organizations.
Our podcast delivers that same expertise: tips, strategies, and ideas you can learn today and use tomorrow. Whether you’re a senior leader, working toward a leadership role, or using leadership skills as an entrepreneur, Conversations That Work will inspire you to communicate, collaborate, and achieve beyond your expectations.
To Your Success,
Andora Hinton