Logos Noesis | Effective Business Communication

When in a rush. . . communicate more.

I am spending one week with one of my organizational clients, facilitating meetings and coaching the participants in how to better apply dialogue skills to the everyday workings of the organization.

Today I was working with a group that was reviewing what difficulties they encountered in the execution of a big order. They did a great job analyzing what worked and what needed improvement. While facilitating the dialogue, I started thinking that others can also benefit from some of their insights, which I share below.

Neurons, Chemistry, Electricity and Leading Change

What do neurons, chemistry, electricity and leadership have in common? While attending the annual conference of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy I learned some new fascinating things from social neuroscience about the brain and change.

Drawing from old and new research findings of more than 20 interdisciplinary scholars, I want to share a few basic things to remember about the brain, leadership, and change.

Leading Through Dialogue: 7 - Lessons from an Indian Powwow

Photo by Ada Gonzalez

Over the weekend I attended the Nanticoke Indian Annual Powwow, in Millsboro, Delaware. The noun powwow, from the Narragansett eastern Algonquian language, refers to any gathering of native people. Powwow can also be used as a verb meaning "to confer in council." In Indian country, it means "a secular event featuring group singing and dancing by men, women, and children."

While enjoying the pleasant weather under the shade of the trees, the steady rhythm of the drums, the signing, the colorful costumes, the dancing, and the selling and trading of wonderful native art, I reflected in what Native Americans can teach leaders. I want to share my musings with you.

Leading Through Dialogue: 6 - Looking for Possibilities

We just finished the long process of buying a distressed house in a gorgeous location. In just the first 2 weeks of starting repairs I've learned many leadership lessons I want to share with you. The biggest one is the importance of not losing the vision or keep looking for possibilities.

The 25 years old house, abandoned for more than a year, seemed to have little to offer beyond it’s sturdy construction and the great 1 1/3 acre wooded lot that overlooks a stream. Besides cosmetic needs, it no longer even had AC or /Heat! Nevertheless, we could see amazing possibilities once we gave it some TLC. We could envision lazy mornings on the ample deck watching the birds in the back woods, or opening the French Doors of the master suite to the night sounds and starlight.

Leading through dialogue: 5 - The Power of Positive Words

Photo by dominikgolenia

Positive words are as refreshing and life giving as water is to life. Words can hurt and shock, or they can heal and lift spirits. Words can change life for better or for worst.

Leaders use power and influence in many different ways and with different results. Some seem to feel the only way to influence people is by using negative words, threats, and criticism. People respond out of fear. Others are able to move people harmoniously toward exceptional results through positive words and influence. Today I invite you to reflect in the kind of power and influence you want to wield. I posit that positive influence is more desirable, leaves less “collateral damage,” and gets better results.

Leading through dialogue: 4 - The first step

I’m in front of a long staircase that will take me to interesting and challenging places. As I look up, I’m daunted by the challenge. I’m already tired from wandering, exploring, trying to understand, making connections, finding new ways..

Suddenly, I understand: all I need to do is commit to take the first step. And then take the next, and the next. Once I get to the top I’m exhilarated. The view, new perspectives, new possibilities, new choices, new languages, new collaborations..

Some times learning to lead through dialogue and collaboration looks like a steep learning curve. Remember, committing to taking the first step may be the most difficult part. Once you take the first step, it’s easier to keep climbing to a better and more innovative future.

Leading Through Dialogue: 3 - How to Encourage Honest Conversations

Drop_the-mask

Honesty has to do not only with what we say, but with our authenticity and integrity. It first requires honesty with ourselves. To have honest conversations, we need to take off our masks and present our authentic self. To share with integrity our thoughts and feelings.

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