Learning Forward
Equity and excellence in teaching and learning.
Collaborative Culture
Steer the conversation toward — not away from —the elephant in the room
By Susan Scott
Categories: UncategorizedDecember 2010
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When Opal Davis Dawson was ready to investigate the reasons for her approval rating, she knew she was in for a fierce conversation, and I applaud her willingness to have the conversations that make progress possible in her school. It is devastating to see our approval ratings in black-and-white. Inviting others to engage in discussion about how we can improve takes great courage.
When I work with groups and leaders looking to tackle their tough challenges, they may need to talk about issues that no one wants to talk about. Four objectives (see p. 68) are important to embrace before they enter the conversation. I believe that Dawson and others will tackle their next “mokita” successfully if they keep these objectives in mind.
— Susan Scott
4 Objectives of a Fierce Conversation
Consider the implications when you approach conversations with the following objectives:
Interrogate Reality
Understand that there are multiple, competing realities existing simultaneously about any topic imaginable. Remain curious instead of defensive, and model honesty, openness, and transparency.
Provoke Learning
Go into your conversations hoping to be influenced, hoping you will be different when the conversation has ended. With that as a goal, you will likely discover that fierce conversations are a marvelous cure for excessive certitude.
Tackle Tough Challenges
Keep it real and avoid the buildup of undercurrent by fearlessly and skillfully bringing the issues, both spoken and unspoken, out into the open where everyone can discuss, address, and resolve them. Don’t delay. Today is the day.
Enrich Relationships
Even the toughest fierce conversations enrich relationships. There is something within us that responds to those who level with us, who don’t suggest our compromises for us, who give us the purity of their attention.
Source: Scott, S. (2002). Fierce conversations: Achieving success at work & in life, one conversation at a time. New York: Penguin.
Susan Scott (susan@fierceinc.com)leads Fierce Inc.
Categories: Uncategorized
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