No such thing as a trivial conversation (for the leader of people)

When you are the arbiter of peoples future; promotion, salary, workload, direction, well-being there is no such thing as a trivial comment.

EVERYTHING you say leaves a mark, let’s be clear on that. Like the vessel ploughing through the ocean, there is always a wake.

You leave a wake behind you. Sometimes your wake will lift spirits, provide direction, produce clarity, inspire, endear or give heart.

Sometimes you will leave confusion, fear, resentment, burden, distrust, concern, apathy or doubt.

If you are being authentic and   honourable  you’ll inevitably leave people in a place that you did not intend. Hey ho, that goes with the territory of your humanness.  Your job is maintain course and occasionally look over your shoulder at what you have left behind. Clearing up a mess afterward; the misinterpreted conversation or misread action is the function of forward progression.

Sometimes you may CHOOSE to leave somebody a little upset because it’s a wake up call, a bit of tough love  that has their future success at the heart of your intent. You can tell them that afterwards when they have had time to collect their thoughts-  as is the right of a fully grown adult.

Why might you care? Because great leaders need great followers pulled along in a wake of optimism not drowned in the wash of unthoughtful conversation.

So take a peek over the stern. Is what you left in your wake what you intended to leave in your wake?

Who are are you speaking with next – what would be the most powerful thing they could be left with – because they’ll be left with something?

Yes, that is a big responsibility but also a magnificent opportunity to do great work.

Paul Fox has been active as a Construction Industry Executive Coach for the last 17 years. He was an early player in bringing performance coaching to the attention of the industry and has developed a reputation as a practical, insightful, and able Coach.
Paul is an authority on relationships. How they work, what breaks them and how to strengthen them. There is no one he works with who has not raised their game in the game of forging powerful relationships. This knowledge and practical insight is shared with teams and individuals.
Productivity and performance are Paul’s other two signature interests. Many an executive has made the transition from capable player to accomplished leader via the coaching engagement. He has a keen insight into what he calls ‘work / life blending’ – helping busy people move successfully beyond the relentless pressure to put in more hours with diminishing return.
As a person to do business with, Paul is still working with clients that he started out with in the 90’s – a testament to his natural, easy manner and ability to connect with people and their ambition. He has worked with hundreds of clients 1-1 and lead 1000’s of hours in team sessions. Business is normally repeat business by achieving positive, lasting change in behaviour: for leaders, their people and their teams.

Contact:

T 0870 7501972
E paul@constructivecoaching.com