The Arete Guy's Leadership Insights Series

Insight #2: The most enabling act of leadership is the conversation.

To be a little provocative, I often tell people the following: I can teach you everything you need to know about leadership in just five minutes (all of it is on this website and my blog!) - but it will take a lifetime to master the skills.

We start with our simple three-word definition of leadership: Creating meaningful change.

Change is inevitable - but meaningful change is not. Without the creation of meaning, the change initiative will not gain the buy-in and commitment needed to overcome the countless barriers that will inevitably emerge.

Leaders are now beginning to understand that the true pathway to meaning is the conversation. Something special develops between the leader and the team when they begin to converse regularly.

But let's be clear: To converse is to engage in a true dialogue - it is where questions are framed, insights are shared, points-of-view are exchanged, and new meaning is sought. There is no room for hierarchy or pre-determined agendas in a conversation. In fact, the leader must learn to create some distance from the urgencies of the workday to allow the conversation to fully occur.

If successful, the leader and team will begin to develop a deep trust and a richer understanding of each person's point of view. Over time, a larger body of meaning is created through the one-on-one and small group sessions.

For most, the experience is the opposite. In our work lives, we rarely feel that we are in true conversation. There simply is a lack of mutual exploration, spirited inquiry, or the shaping of new collective meanings. We dutifully respond to questions, provide activity updates, and re-confirm our action plans.

Truth be told: We hate most meetings because they define our work lives in small, meaningless ways and suppress the larger story that needs to be told. As leaders, we need to reclaim and protect time for true conversation.

Here's how you do it: Put your weekly work schedule in front of you. For just a moment, look beyond the "have to do's" that keep the ship running and think about the conversations you "need to have" to create the meaningful change you seek.

Answer this question: What conversations do I need to have this week and with whom? Invite these "others" to participate in a conversation for change - don't just send a meeting request. Learn to build conversations into the day - and never let a day escape without meaningful dialogue.

Over time you will find a new insight: Leadership is not only about the conversation - leadership is the conversation.

Yes, Show Me The Same System You Use, So I Can Also Make BIG Money From Home! A Valid E-Mail Address Is Required Otherwise You Will Not Receive This Information. We Respect Your Email Privacy and Will Not Spam You. Any E-mail You Receive Comes With An 'Unsubscribe' Link.

By entering your details above you are agreeing to our: 
Disclaimer - Terms of Use - Income Disclaimer - Privacy Policy