Courageous Conversations - the seeds to success!

“Every problem has in it the seeds of its own solution" - Norman Vincent Peale

This quote has been replaying in my head for some months now!

Yes, we are faced with new challenges, however, this is not the first time people have been knocked sideways from their expected path. Throughout history, people have faced challenges, and when their backs were to the walls, they had to find a solution. Approaches needed to be altered – innovative ways needed to be found. A different way of thinking was needed, and is now too. A different conversation is required….are you having it?

Perhaps your head is spinning… though take a moment to consider the following:-

When I am giving a workshop on courageous conversations, I ask the team how they would go about making an important choice as a group, what would their course of action be?

I get a variety of replies though most would say, they would seek everyone’s ideas, gain clarity on their suggestions and see if they could agree on a way forward.

These are great answers and show curiosity, collaboration and transparency. This is fine in theory. However, when we are faced with a serious situation like what we are in now…. Many businesses will have a knee jerk reaction, they will ignore the earlier theoretical approach and will opt for making decisions unilaterally, without seeking suggestions, collaborating or being transparent. 

Your team could hold the solution to these challenges… By seeking their suggestions, you could find a way forward. 

Let's look at a company that neglected to have those conversations, neglected to brainstorm, and lost its footing in the market!

Kodak…… Kodak moment – you push the button, we do the rest….. what a great tagline!

New technology was coming down the tracks….. Kodak and Fuji were the leaders in photo processing…… Fuji diversified…. Kodak went to the wall…

A courageous conversation perhaps with this company might have been along the lines of:-

What business are we in today? 

What new opportunities does the disruption open up? 

What capabilities do we need to realise these opportunities? 

Kodak remains a sad story of potential lost. The American icon had the talent, the money, and even the foresight to make the transition. Instead, it ended up the victim of the aftershocks of a disruptive change.

In times of disruption, you can adopt that unilateral decision-making approach, or you can turn to your team, to those relationships, and look to find a solution together. Historically, companies who have taken this approach, have, within the problem, found a solution. 

Brainstorm with your team – whether they are employees or peers – success is more likely with more heads are looking for the potential seeds of greatness - than us trying it all on our own.

If we are to follow the wise quote from Norman Vincent Peale “Every problem has in it the seeds of its own solution”, then we need to communicate with our teams.

You don’t need to face this on your own – if you have a team – open up the lines of communication. If you are in business on your own – surround yourself with positive go-getters – like-minded people, who can brainstorm with you. Open up those lines of communication!

Get your team around you and be curious and transparent – be open to hearing their suggestions in order to move forward. Adopt The Speaker Coaches ABC of courageous conversations:-

• Asking questions to which you may not already know the answer,
• Build understanding based on curiosity and interest in the other persons suggestions; and
• Clarification - seeking clarification so as you understand what is being said.

They may come up with suggestions you haven’t considered and a way forward!

“In your hands, you hold the seeds of failure or the potential for greatness” Zig Ziglar

Have those courageous conversations and be open to new possibilities!

If you would like more details on 'courageous conversations' or other Speaker Coach programs, schedule a complimentary call with Karen here.