Leadership Communication Developer
Plan the leadership conversation you need to have
How this tool worksPlan one leadership conversation, such as setting direction, coaching someone or giving hard feedback, and leave with the words: your opening, your ask, answers to pushback and a plan B.Hide
Plan one leadership conversation, such as setting direction, coaching someone or giving hard feedback, and leave with the words: your opening, your ask, answers to pushback and a plan B.
Use it when
Use it before a conversation you lead and would rather not wing: explaining a new direction to your team, coaching a direct report through a problem, talking after a mistake, or feedback someone will not enjoy. It suits new and experienced leaders, with or without a title.
How to use it
- Choose the conversation. Pick the one conversation you need to have and who it is with. If you are not sure which, rate your confidence in each first; the lowest is usually the one to plan.
- Get ready. Write the facts in a sentence or two, a good result, and what must happen at the least. Tick what usually gets in your way for a matching tip.
- Draft your words. Write your opening, then what you will say at each step of the VISION, INQUIRY or SAFETY framework, in order. Tap "Start from this line" to borrow the module's wording.
- Prepare for pushback. Answer the likely reactions, add your own, then write what you will say to pause if it goes badly and how you will follow up.
- Take your conversation. Read the whole conversation start to finish, then copy it or download it as a text file.
What you'll come away with
A one-page script for a single conversation: the facts, your opening, each framework step in your own words with your ask marked, answers to pushback, a plan B and your follow-up, plus links to Rehearse and the Leadership & Influence module.
Step 1 of 5
The conversation
Pick the one conversation you need to have, and who it is with. Everything after this is built for that conversation.
Off unless you turn it on. Your answers stay in this browser only and are never sent anywhere. They’re deleted when you turn this off, press Start again, or after 14 days. If someone else uses or checks this device, leave it off.
Not sure which to plan? Rate yourself first (optional)
Rate your confidence in each from 1 (low) to 5 (high). The one you rate lowest is usually the one worth planning.
Explaining where we are headed so it sticks
Coaching with questions instead of answers
Responding when something has gone wrong
Giving feedback people will not enjoy hearing
Choose the conversation you need to have to carry on.