crucial conversations
“Because no matter how hard a conversation is, I know that on the other side of that difficult conversation lies peace. Knowledge. An answer delivered. Character is revealed. Truces are formed. Misunderstandings are resolved. Freedom lies across the field of a difficult conversation. And the more difficult the conversation, the greater the freedom.”
~ Shonda Rhimes, Year of Yes
Communication is the cornerstone of any relationship - our ability to connect and share is foundational to belonging, resolution, innovation, and expression. Create how we approach opportunities and challenges, and the tenacity to be in that space that lies just outside our comfort zone, and ongoing curiosity about - well - just about everything.
In leadership, the practice of authenticity is relatively new - and first became a more prominent focus in the early 2000s. The possibility of authentic leadership was incepted by Bill George in his book, Authentic Leadership. It suggests that being yourself and emulating your core values & character is a key contributor to successful leadership and is often cited as the biggest predictor of employee job satisfaction and workplace happiness.
Bill George followed with Discover Your True North, where he culminates nearly 200 one-on-one interviews with a broad and diverse leadership sample - and offers a step-by-step program for articulating your authentic self and reflecting that through your leadership.
The second widely acclaimed champion of authenticity is Brene Brown. Her research on courage and vulnerability opened a new space for conversation about what it means to be who we authentically are. In 2010, she published The Gifts of Imperfection, which offers ten guideposts to “wholehearted living.” Her research, writings, and conversations have inspired and empowered million to a pathway where we become somehow more complete by accepting all of who we are.
The following section offers connections to some of the resources I have found supportive in exploring my curiosity. I add content to this space as I wander along.
From my bookshelf to yours…
Here are some of my favorite books on the subject of crucial and effective communication. When you click the book, you’ll automatically be redirected to Amazon to learn more and purchase if interested. And, I’ve included a link to Shonda Rhimes book in case you’d like to add it to your readings as well ♡
Quick Reads
Links to articles that I have found insightful and supportive in my coaching and executive advisory conversations. Some of these materials may be linked to sites that ask for a subscription to access - and often the source will offer a few free reads each month.
We all have the capacity to inspire and empower others. But we must first be willing to devote ourselves to our personal growth and development as leaders. An HBR classic article, recently re-published as a part of HBR’s 100-year celebration of its best works.
Authentic Leadership: What It Is, Why It Matters published by the Center for Creative Leadership
Authentic leaders are those who are true to themselves and the principles that guide them. This article has dozen of links to other great content on the tenets of authenticity and other key leadership principles… so take a peek and double-click to your heart’s content.
If you’ve come across a resource or have comments/feedback on what you’ve found here - please share!
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