How you show up matters!

Enjoy our 6-part series on the small business leader and difficult conversations. 

Here is Part 3: How you show up matters!

You know what it’s like to walk into a room filled with negative people. If you are not careful, you will find yourself feeling negative too...starting to notice the proverbial glass as half empty. On the contrary, walk into a room where the spirit of people is buoyant, optimistic and hopeful about what’s possible, and it helps you feel the same...you’ll begin to see that same proverbial glass as half full!  

Likewise, how you show up to a conversation has a profound impact on those with whom you speak. When that conversation is a difficult one, with a lot at stake, the impact of how you show up is multiplied--whether good or bad.

So many leaders are far too hurried to pause and consider the impact they have on people in their business. As owners and leaders, you need to know that you impact not only the income your team members bring home, but also how they go home. How you lead in challenging conversations has the power to affect what your team is thinking about as they put their head down on their pillow at night.

 I invite you to reflect on these 8 passages and consider how people may experience you in conversation.  Is how you are leading yourself and your team or family aligned with what you know God would have for you as a leader of others? 

1. Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19

   1. Do people experience you as one who is quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to get angry?

2. The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. Proverbs 18:21

   1. Does your team experience “life” as you speak with them?

3. Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish. Proverbs 18:13

   1. Are you disciplined to hear all the facts before you speak?

4. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

   1. Are your words and musings about others honoring to God?

5. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. Colossians 4:6

   1. Are your words gracious and attractive to your team, clients, suppliers, family? 

6. A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. Proverbs 15:1

   1. Under pressure what do you and your team experience from you...gentleness or anger?

7. From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive. Proverbs 16:23

   1. Would your team experience you as a leader who offers thoughtful, wise speech?

8. The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words. Proverbs 15:28

   1. Are you proactive or reactive in your conversations? Do you think before you speak?

How do your team, clients, suppliers, and family experience you as you have conversations with them? Are you a “wise” or “foolish” conversation leader?

How do you show up? 

If you are feeling the pain of poor communication at work, at home, or in your community.... join us at our free lunch + learn this Friday (October 25th). Click the image below for more details.

A Deliberate Application:

1. What were your observations from these verses and questions? 

2. Are you sensing God nudge you in any particular area as you consider how your team experiences you in conversation?

3. What can you do to grow in that area?

4. With whom will you share your reflections?

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