If you can’t effectively respond to the question, “Where did you learn to have tough conversations?” you’re probably bad at them. If you’re a senior leader and have never had an effective 360 review process, you probably have numerous career-stalling weaknesses. Do something about it!
Luck plays a role in success. But leaders who have successful careers (measured by their ability to get others’ help with creating lasting value — monetary and otherwise) work hard at the business of their company and at developing themselves.
A recent piece in Harvard Business Review asks, “Is CEO a Two-Person Job?” Once in a great while, the soulmate, mind-meld situation might exist in nature and perhaps a company will be better off for a short time if there are two leaders. With some good thought, the job of CEO can be structured like Goldilocks’ porridge; not too little, not too much.
In the business environment, having no skilled leader or facilitator is a surefire way to waste time and increase your failure rate. Talking about the objective(s), agreeing on responsibilities and rules of engagement, and getting to know one another seem ponderous, but I guarantee that this allows for faster and better results.
Most of the talented executives I’ve coached had to make some noise and get in good trouble sometime in their career. Some even got fired. If you routinely run from the good fight, you end up being a shallow leader.
This article contains ways your business can pivot in uncertain times, re-emerge better than ever on the other side, and thrive for decades to come.
