Gina Gardiner Associates

One of the most common fears I hear from leaders is this: "I hate confrontation. I don't want to upset people."

I understand that fear. I've workedd with many clients who have avoided difficult conversations whenever they could. They hoped problems would fix themselves, or they'd water down feedback to keep the peace. But the truth was,it wasn't helping anyone. The opposite was true - problems grew, trust eroded and performance suffered. Rather than protecting their staff people felt confused and let down.

The turning point came has come when the leaders I was working with understood the difference between confrontation and confronting the issue.

Learning to confront the issue in a constructive way is a major game changer.

It requires that leaders set out and share explicit and consistent expectations from the outset

That when people fall short of expectations they are held to account by leaders who know how to manage their own emotions first and who present the issue clearly and fairly

That opportunities for development are identified and agreed.

I never cease to be amazed at the astonishing results created by this approach

Instead of defensiveness - understanding. Instead of resentment - respect. People want clarity, even when it's uncomfortable so long as it comes from a place of trust and respect.

In the Visionary Leadership Masterclass (October 21-23),

Hard conversations are not a failure of leadership. Avoiding them is. The Masterclass offers you the opportunity to develop the confidence and understanding to tackle those difficult conversations in your professional and your personal life

Reserve your free place here: spiritualleadershipblueprint.com/masterclass

If you've been carrying a conversation you've been too afraid to have, let this be your reminder: clarity is kindness.

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