One of my favorite things to do is lead book discussions. I love connecting books and people. Often I am asked, “Why did you pick this book?” It is an interesting question that I ponder on before I answer the question. Each book selection for Leadership Reads is unique. Here are three reasons I choose Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott for our October Leadership Reads.
Number One: I needed this book myself.
As a leader, I was finding it hard to have the conversations I needed to have with my staff and my family. Leadership starts with yourself. You are the hardest person to lead but until you have lead yourself, you cannot lead others. When those tough conversations came up I would do one of three things: change the subject (“nice weather we are having”), retreat to a separate room, or brush it off like it is no big deal. This doesn’t work for very long, the issue just kept coming up.
Number Two: Leaders need to have more fierce conversations.
I have found, meeting with hundreds of other leaders through my coaching profession, that I am not alone. Many CEOs, Executive Directors, and parents do not like having these fierce conversations either. It takes courage to have these fierce conversations that need to be had. Susan Scott emphasizes this in her book. This book outlines some of the ways to have this conversation and practical tips that I was able to use right away. (I love books with practical tips.)
Number Three: Conversations change businesses and lives.
I have found without someone speaking up and taking the initiative to have a conversation, there can be no change. Growth cannot happen without fierce conversations. These kinds of conversations can provide clarity, collaboration and cooperation for your team/family. I was working with a client the other day who wanted to have a conversation with someone at work because this person’s behavior was hurting the team. With coaching support, we walked through some of the ideas in Fierce Conversations and she was able to have a successful meeting. The person responded, “I didn’t know it was hurting our team.” People can’t change if they don’t know any better. It is the leader’s responsibility to help them discover their blind spots.
Every big goal that I have ever achieved has been through conversation.
Join us on October 16 at 7:15 AM on Zoom to discuss this great book!
Sign up: https://ldr-ship.com/book-club/
Mary
Leadership Coach, Trainer and Speaker
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