Page 219 - Fearless Leadership

206 FEARLESS LEADERSHIP

“I’m unwilling to settle for less than what I know we can achieve. And
I’m unwilling to settle for less than the high performance team we can be.
I want us to have an open and honest conversation about how we work
together. I have questions that I’ll ask each of you, but before I do that I
want to hear how I’ve impacted you. I’d like your honest feedback so I can
be a more effective leader. Let’s start with how you would answer the follow-
ing questions about my leadership:

1. What impact do I have on you, individually and as a team?
Do you feel that I listen to you and that I’m committed to your
success?
2. Are there unresolved issues that I need to address with you so
we have a strong partnership?
3. What do you need from me that I am not providing?”

The conversation had a slow start, but it picked up speed as people
began to feel safe in speaking up. After answering the questions about the
CEO, each team member asked the same questions about their impact
on one another. This discussion started the group down the path of learn-
ing how to talk straight responsibly.
Let’s define talking straight responsibly in precise terms. It is being
emotionally honest and communicating responsibly as soon as you rec-
ognize there is an unresolved issue. There are two criteria for measuring
your success:

1. Your communication advances the business objective.
2. Your communication strengthens the relationship with the
individual or team.

Talking straight responsibly is a learned skill that demands a high level
of accountability and trust. Not only are you accountable for the content
of your message, you are also accountable for its emotional impact. If you
are saying to yourself “How people react to what I say is beyond my con-
trol,” then let me remind you that you are accountable for making sure
your message is understood in the way in which you intend it. Of course,
you cannot control how people react, but you can make an extra effort to
ensure that you are doing everything possible so that your message paves
the way for a more effective partnership.