Coaches Corner 6: Stop Being a Coward
How bad does a negative situation need to get before you address it? Recently I heard someone justify their "behind the back" negativity by saying "well, you just can't be direct with people these days for fear of retaliation." I totally disagree. As a leader, coach and friend I think the costs of avoiding direct communication are too high not to. Let's look at a few tools to help you stop being a coward and address issues more quickly. Write out a clear objective first. For instance I could write "I want to address my concern, create a combined strategy and improve the relationship through respectful and direct communication. Follow the 3 step process of emotion, need and strategy. "I feel sad that this happened. Here is how I see it." "I need to feel a sense of connection and alignment. I'm hoping we can communicate in a way that will fulfill that need." "I'm open to the strategy and how we solve th...