Linking Rapport training to Fierce conversations concepts
MONTHLY BOOK FEATURE:
Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott
In Fierce Conversations, Susan Scott writes about a type of communication that is robust, intense, powerful and unbridled. She calls this communication "fierce." Fierce conversations demand that we have the courage to be powerful communicators; and powerful communicators know that “the conversation is not about the relationship – the conversation is the relationship.” The quality of our relationships at work and at home relates directly to the quality of our communication, and the key to having quality communication is to be real and extremely honest – even though it may be outside of our comfort zone. Through seven principals, Scott lays the foundation for success in life “one conversation at a time.” Her first three principals drive home the style of communication taught at Rapport Leadership International.
She begins with “mastering the courage to interrogate reality.” This means being willing to look at everything that has happened with brutal honesty and openness. Too often in life we avoid what may be an uncomfortable topic. We allow ourselves to get caught up in doing the same thing over and over again while expecting different results. We avoid this cycle when we have strength to examine what is happening, when we take action in spite of our fear and have the fierce conversation. A culture that continuously interrogates reality achieves successful results.
Once we have mastered the courage to interrogate reality, we can then begin to follow her second principal: “come out from behind yourself into the conversation and make it real.” When we get real with the people in our lives we avoid unnecessary costs to our business and our relationships. A culture that supports real interaction opens itself to feedback, and gets excited about improving to be the best of the best. Being real in conversations gets us away from the judgments we place on other people because we have to be real with ourselves first. By coming out from behind ourselves and getting away from judgments, we save ourselves and our organizations invaluable time and money. Instead of excuses or finger pointing, people begin to take accountability for their own communication and live the third principal in Susan Scott’s book: “prepare to be here and nowhere else.”
By being present in our communication, we actually listen to what the other person has to say. We take the time to understand what they mean rather than interpreting their meaning according to our own preconceived notions. At Rapport, our training creates an environment that demands people be here, in the now moment. We know that true business and personal breakthroughs can only come when individuals are prepared to be engaged with themselves and the people around them. Our graduates leave their Rapport training ready to communicate openly with themselves and the people in their life because they have just engaged in a fierce conversation with themselves.
When your team understands that being real and present in their communication is the only way to create successful outcomes, they come to work prepared to be involved. The excitement generated by a culture of fierce conversations leads to creative new ideas and an enthusiastic team that is willing to breakthrough obstacles to create success.
Read Susan Scott’s “Fierce Conversations” for more information on how to have conversations that change lives. To learn how Rapport Leadership International can build a culture of high impact, fierce conversations contact your Leadership Training Advisor at (800)-989-0715.
