The following blog is the 2nd in a series on “Leadership of People and Culture”
Some would say that “ignorance is bliss”. I suggest that ignorance is...well...ignorance. And what we don’t know could be costing us significantly.
Too many small business owners/leaders are woefully unaware of the cost paid when communication is not going well between people in their businesses and families. Employees, clients, suppliers, friends, and family members can become frustrated, unclear, and unmotivated.
Look at the following 3 prices paid by small business leaders because of poor, unclear, absent, and maybe disrespectful communication.
- Disengagement. When under-performers are not being held to account and when leaders avoid necessary conversations with those not doing their part, team members who actually do want to learn, grow and do great work become frustrated and begin to disengage.
- Can’t keep great people! Just yesterday, I interviewed what may be a really great hire for one of our clients. This potentially great hire, (currently employed) is experiencing a profound lack of vision and terrible communication by his current employer’s key leaders. With no clear line of sight on opportunities to learn and grow and little-to-no communication, this person is leaving his current employer and joining another team.
Stress & anxiety. According to the American Psychological Association, approximately 1 in 2 people go home at the end of the day stressed about work. A part of that reality will be their responsibility. However, I suggest that disengaged managers and owners, who are “too busy” to connect in meaningful conversations with their team, are significantly contributing to this statistic.
As the Gallup organization discovered years ago…
Because the vast majority of small business owners have not invested in learning how to lead challenging conversations they are left with their hands tied. They are not equipped to handle the variety of challenges, personalities, and life experiences that the people on their teams bring to them every day.
Have you paid an unfortunate price by not being competent and creative in guiding difficult conversations?
A wise leader will learn how to leave poor communication and its high cost in the past.
A Deliberate Application:
What is your reaction to this post? Do you agree or disagree?
What price might you have paid by not wisely handling difficult conversations?
Ask 5 people close to you for feedback on your communication:
What’s going well?
What would you suggest I do differently in order to be a better communicator?
How do the verses in the blog speak to your need to be a wiser communicator?
