Can you break down cultures of silence?

by | Apr 8, 2013 | Uncategorised

I’m sure, that after the last few weeks ‘food for thought’, it’s become clear that a culture of silence can be more than just a little unhealthy… It can be deadly. We all need to take a stand together and work vigilantly to ensure that we change unhealthy cultures in our offices and homes. We can make hard conversations easier and…

Create cultures of clear and constructive communication

Your Key Steps Coaching for the week ahead:

1. Create a dynamic culture of excellence where feedback is normal, expected and welcomed. For example, have debriefs after sales meetings or perform after-action reviews where the after-action questions are known before projects begin. At home, encourage your children to share their thoughts, feelings, ideas and concerns with you. Make it the norm for people to ask, “What is working? What is not working? And how can we overcome it (i.e. live the spirit of kaizen)?” The energy around these discussions needs to be one of development not criticism.

2. Establish clear, measurable targets. Clarity enables success, fuels motivation and informs accountability. Make sure that this happens both at work and at home. It is much more likely that communication and feedback will happen when there is clarity about who is responsible for what, by when and according to what standards. If you need to learn more about setting goals, contact Candice and she will send you some information about ‘Key Steps to Set & Achieve Goals’.

3. Commit to every person receiving feedback every day. Employees complain that they don’t receive enough feedback; give them 60 second bursts every day. Don’t wait for the annual review to give feedback – practise giving feedback regularly. Teach people how to give feedback in constructive ways and how to receive feedback without becoming defensive. Practise the same principles at home. And remember to regularly tell those you appreciate and love that you value them. Remember to use the 2:1 rule, i.e. give two positives for every development point you raise (note that I don’t call it negative) and you can…

“be the difference that makes the difference”

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Namaste,

 

NOTE: The information in my blog may be freely shared and re-used in any online or offline publication, provided it is accompanied by the following credit line: This was written by Dr Sharon King Gabrielides, and originally appeared in her free bi-weekly  ‘Key Steps Food for Thought Blog’ available on the Key Steps website.

Dr Sharon King Gabrielides, EQ Expert, Founder and CEO

Sharon is a dynamic facilitator, speaker and executive coach with over 25 years’ experience in leadership development and organisational transformation. Her PhD thesis contributed a framework for holistic and sustainable leadership development that was published by Rutgers University in the USA. She is faculty of numerous business schools and highly sought-after by leading corporates because she works hand-in-hand with them to create sustainable results and long-term success. In 2020, Sharon was inducted into the Educators Hall of Fame, which is a lifetime achievement award, recognising excellence and her contribution to the field.

Sharon is one of only three women in South Africa to hold the title of Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) – the Oscar of the speaking industry. She is also a COMENSA Master Practitioner (CMP), a qualified Modern Classroom Certified Trainer (MCCT™) and an accredited Global Virtual Speaker. Sharon is also a registered Education, Training and Development Practitioner (ETDP), holds an Honours degree in Psychology and practices as an NLP master practitioner.

Most important to Sharon is that she has become known for her genuinely caring manner, practical and transformational approach, and for providing valuable tools and that allow people to take Key Steps to really… ‘be the difference that makes the difference.’