Avoidance Costs: Why Leaders Must Engage
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Ah, the art of dodging difficult conversations—a skill many leaders unknowingly master! But beware, property pros and business buffs, the cost of avoidance is steeper than a London penthouse. Let’s dive into why tackling tough talks is your ticket to leadership success.
Meet Sarah, the team’s darling. Loved by all, yet her work was slipping. I, the ever-optimistic leader, kept postponing the inevitable chat, hoping for a miracle. Spoiler alert: miracles didn’t happen. Instead, resentment brewed like a storm in a teacup.
When I finally faced the music, Sarah’s words hit like a wrecking ball: "Why did you wait so long?" Ouch! My delay didn’t protect her; it failed her. Lesson learned: avoiding tough conversations only compounds the problem.
So, how do you tackle these tricky talks? Here’s your cheat sheet:
Performance Problems: Turn it into a team effort. Discuss gaps and co-create a plan.
Interpersonal Conflicts: Encourage direct resolution. If needed, mediate with future-focused discussions.
Negative Feedback: Be immediate and specific. No sugar-coating!
High-Performers with Attitude: Highlight their potential for greater impact.
Poor Performers: Focus on results, offer training, and set clear milestones.
Chronic Complainers: Make them part of the solution.
Boss Friction: Be direct, propose solutions, and document everything.
Unengaged Employees: Connect work to the mission and offer new challenges.
Burnout: Identify causes and make visible changes.
Resource Conflicts: Prioritise business impact and document trade-offs.
Unpopular Policies: Explain the why and focus on implementation.
Conflicting Demands: Align priorities and highlight non-negotiables.
Uncertainty: Overcommunicate and focus on constants.
Bad News: Be concise, allow questions, and shift to solutions.
Missed Targets: Understand why, support, and celebrate small wins.
Remember, the cost of avoidance is always higher than you think. So, next time, lean in and lead with courage!
