Chat and Inclusivity What's the link ?

Be Less Mentor ...and More Coach

• First I'd say, I've been fortunate enough to have had some formal coaching as part of my leadership & lean training. It really showed me how much more you can get from a conversation by being a listener and "reflector" rather than just a "transmitter".
• The power of truly listening, sometimes even behind just the words used, to interpret what the real issue is can be incredible. I'll admit it can be tough; resisting the temptation to instantly respond with your own solutions to an individual's problem can be challenging. But, if you can overcome it, you can gain some real insights to the professional, business and life challenges affecting those traditionally referred to as "lower-down" in the business.
• Being able to tease-out the real issues and help the individual reflect and think through their challenge with the liberal use of open-questions (eg "How could you..?", "What options do you have ..?) can be a significant and sustained intervention.

The conversations frequently reverberate after the initial chat and hence often lead to "follow-up" actions or conversations at the next level down. Many of the coachees report completely different decisions, thoughts or feelings after having had a "broader" converstion.

• The conversations frequently reverberate after the initial chat and hence often lead to "follow-up" actions or conversations at the next level down. Many of the coachees report completely different decisions, thoughts or feelings after having had a "broader" converstion.
• Taking a coaching style can also help to level the playing field; leading to a far more open, less-restrained and direct conversation. Creating this environment has led to the surfacing of some major improvement opportunites, highlighting inconsistencies in our leadership messaging or behavior and, on some occassions, given the individual chance to "cry for help" on something affecting their well-being.

What worked for you may not work for "Them"

• Next, I'd reflect that the expectations of some of my younger colleagues have shifted dramatically over the 3 decades I've been in the system. Most starkly is their expectation for the heady-mix of rewarding careers, recognition, freedom to change, opportunity to learn, global experiences, breadth and all without adversly impacting the ubiquitous requirement for "work-life balance"! Whilst very much possible; How readily adhievable this is could be a topic of a future reflection.