Is it better to continue avoiding difficult conversations, settle for suboptimal results, and experience shallow relationships or have the courage to tell the truth, truthfully with grace? Hopefully that is a rhetorical question! True candor requires being honest, sincere, gracious, plain spoken, earnest, forthright and courageous. For many of us it can be challenging to have candid discussions with coworkers, friends, and family and hear candid feedback from them. We need to be courageous. A helpful definition of courage is the ability to control your fear in dangerous or difficult situations.
Alan Mulally, the former CEO of Ford Motor Company (Ford) from 2006 to 2014, led Ford out of a very dark time in the company’s history. One of the main contributing factors of his success was leading the executives to be candid about failures and deficiencies. Infusing this attribute of candor into Ford’s culture helped them to make effective business decisions that drove better outcomes. One example of Ford’s turnaround was being the only US car manufacturer that did not need a government bailout during the Great Recession. You can read more about the story in the book American Icon by Hoffman.
In Susan Scott’s book Fierce Conversations, Scott unpacks the need for individuals to learn how to have what she refers to as fierce conversation. She shares many practical principles and approaches that build skills to be successful. These very practical recommendations, such as being assertive without being aggressive, help folks to engage in productive conversations that produce positive results.
Here are some questions to consider when preparing for candid conversations.
- How can I give and receive feedback effectively?
- What can I do to improve my communication skills?
- How can I overcome the fear of having difficult conversations?
- Are my conversations constructive, do they help others and lead to better outcomes?
This week please be intentional about being candid with others. Also, be open and approachable to receive candid feedback. Your efforts will help others, improve your relationship and drive better outcomes not only at work but in life!
