Change the Conversation

With the New Year approaching, it’s only natural to be thinking about change. 

As Margaret Wheatley said, “Real change begins with the simple act of people talking about what they care about.”

But that’s not as easy as it sounds — at least not for many executives.

It’s especially difficult when you’re dealing with the daily stress and challenges of managing people and running a business.

The conversation tends to be about solving the problem of the day.

So the problem is twofold:

1. You may lose sight of what you really care about.
2. You’re not talking about it.

Let’s break it down.

The first question to answer is: What do you care about?

When I ask executives this question, I hear them say things like:

“I care about creating a great culture.”

“I care about the relationship with my partners or colleagues.”

“I care about my legacy.”

“I care about the impression I make on others.”

“I care about my team and their success.”

“I care about our clients’ success.”

“I care about being part of something bigger.”

On a personal level, they care about their family, friends, personal growth, health, making a difference.

Answer that question for yourself.

Once you put your attention on what you care about most, how will you talk about it?

This can be challenging for executives who aren’t used to speaking from the heart.

But it’s necessary.

It requires a kind of vulnerability and courage to talk about what you really care about — whether you’re on your soapbox in front of a group or speaking to someone one-on-one.

Consider it a leadership skill, and strength.

Tragedy, like the one we’ve recently experienced at Sandy Hook, naturally brings us into a different kind of conversation about what we really care about.

Thankfully tragedy doesn’t have to be the only trigger.

Leaders can be.

You can be.

How will you change the conversation in the New Year?

With whom do you need to speak?

When you change the conversation, you change what’s possible for your business — and yourself.

Change the conversation — or open new conversations — to achieve what you really want.

PS: As I reflect on this year, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with a wide range of wonderful clients including large global organizations, mid-sized firms and small businesses.

Let me know when I can be of help to you, your team or your company in the New Year.

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‘Tis the season for bright, shiny objects!