Jul 31, 20212 min
Updated: Jul 20, 2023
by Stephanie Bickel
Most Americans say that the most stressful part of their day is talking to their boss. When executives are unhappy, it is usually because of a dynamic in the leadership team meeting. They start to believe their boss doesn’t have their back. The boss doesn’t want them to speak. They believe even their peers don’t want them to speak. This can become so debilitating, that they decide to leave their organization. Why does something that you would have seen in middle school, play out in the most advanced companies with adults working at the highest levels? It’s not politics, it’s just poor communication.
You are making this meeting more expensive and a waste of time.
It is clear you are not aligned to the priorities, or you haven’t been listening. This shows your leadership and communication skills are not aligned.
People hear you whine, complain, blame others, or make excuses.
You are saying the same thing you said last time. You are just repeating what your colleague just said which puts in question your leadership interpersonal skills.
You are not convicted. Are you sure there is an issue? Are you sure about the evidence? Are you sure about the answer?
You are too selfish. You are thinking so much about other peoples’ opinions, all you say is “I.” You tell random personal stories that don’t relate to the topic. You are not thinking about what the best idea is, you just want to be right.
Getting to work with people you love on topics that are meaningful to you, is one of life’s greatest joys. When you don’t have your boss’s support and faith, it is painful. Change the dance step in your leadership and communication skills patterns, and the dynamics in meetings improve. It will take some time for them to notice your new moves, and they may step on your toes a little in the beginning. But, it will improve over time. If you are annoyed by someone on your team, ask yourself what pattern in their leadership and communication skills bothers you. Have the courage to help your colleague understand their blindspot. You could save them a ton of time wondering why people tune out when they speak.
Fast track your career path. Speak by Design University is a one-of-a-kind leadership communication program. It’s the only leadership communication program in the world that gives you access to self-paced learning, group coaching and training and, most importantly, private one-on-one coaching. Learn more and register.