Conversation, an essential leadership tool

In recent decades, the exercise of leadership has changed profoundly. Good leaders used to be those who could make the right decisions and have them implemented, but companies today need individuals who know how to bring out the best in people and help them surmount the challenges of change.

However, behavior rarely evolves as fast as needs do. Authoritarian attitudes are frequently observed, directly inspired by the autocratic leader model. These attitudes are often counterproductive in a context where every employee is expected to be increasingly autonomous and show initiative.

“Leadership Unplugged” proposes to reduce this gap with the help of a tool whose power is largely underestimated – conversation. According to the book, managers can use conversation as a powerful driver to facilitate change, by following three important precepts:

– Do not try to control your employees, but work to help them progress. Conversation is an effective tool to accomplish this.

– Be aware that a strategic conversation goes through three distinct phases, each requiring a specific type of behavior.

– Develop your listening skills and empathy, which are critical to creating real dialogue.