We believe the top limiting leadership behavior is the inability or unwillingness to have tough conversations with those you lead. In today’s episode we unpack six practical steps that will help you find the sweet spot between the tendency to bully and the tendency to wimp out when it comes to difficult conversations.

Tip 1: Be curious

• When it’s time for a difficult talk with a teammate or a church attender, understand you probably don’t have all the facts.
• Trying to understand their perspective doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll end up agreeing with it.

Tip 2: Assume the best

• Ask yourself: “Is it possible I’m misinterpreting what they said/did?
• Ask yourself: “Was I crystal clear about my expectations of this team member?

Tip 3: Own your part

• What, if anything, have you as leader done or failed to do that may have contributed to the problem?
• Own and admit your part of the issue.

Tip 4: Listen . . . for real

• Listening to the other party helps you learn. It communicates care.
• It helps them listen better to

Tip 5: Share your perspective clearly

• Express your feelings/perspective about the situation(s).
• This helps the other party understand you.

Tip 6: Articulate a way forward

• Based on the Bible, what is the proper behavior in this instance?

You limit your leadership potential when you refuse to speak the truth wrapped in massive amounts of love.