What is a Crucial Conversation? In my situation, it will be the conversation explaining that we are going to “change the way we have always done it.” Because, through my undergraduate studies and my work with high school students directly, I feel strongly that my WIG will have a positive impact on our team, I will enter these conversations honestly, openly and effectively.
How will we master the Crucial Conversation? We will master it by being proactive and investing time up front developing shared meaning – getting everyone comfortable and on the same page.
Why will we Start with Heart? We all have the same goal of winning on and off the field. All of us are moving toward that same goal. If we stay focused on the way that this WIG will move us toward that goal, positive dialogue can continue.
We will Learn to Look. We will not be so focused on what we are saying that we fail to pay attention to how others are receiving or not receiving it. Pay very close attention to behavioral cues – verbal and non-verbal.
We will Make it Safe. We will make sure that everyone feels confident that we are all working toward the same shared, common outcome. We will have mutual purpose and respect.
We will Master our Stories. We create our own emotions. We cannot become hostage to them. We use facts and details to create useful, healthy stories that lead useful dialogue.
We will State our Path. We will state our path completely, and in a way that makes others feel safe to respond with their feelings and opinions.
We will Explore Others’ Paths. We will pay attention to both silence and violence. When we notice this, we will encourage them to share their observations, so that we can get them back on the path to a positive outcome.
We will Move to Action. We will work towards consensus, so that all feel commitment is increased.
We will hold each other Accountable.
We will Put it all Together and move the organization forward!