March 10, 2022
By Dave Bushy
In my work with leaders, a very common theme is the desire to enhance communication. This feeling often emerges from their own awareness and desire to improve the ability to have meaningful conversations with others
In essence, it involves finding their voice.
Finding that voice is not as easy as just speaking up. Nor is it staying quiet, or deciding that a conversation can wait. And most certainly it is not the act of simply connecting the brain to the tongue and letting it go to work.
Speaking is, actually, the last thing you do in the steps to find your voice.
So how do we find those steps? In coaching, we use inquiry to help the client discover the actions that might work for them. It’s a process of awareness-building and is dependent upon each person’s experience, capabilities and perspective – effectively, the client’s “reality” in relationship to others.
For example, I once worked with a senior executive who was frustrated with the performance of his subordinates. In our sessions, he would carefully delineate shortcomings and lack of action by those on his team.
I would ask, “Well what words did you use when you spoke with that person?”
His response: “I didn’t – I’m planning on speaking with him next week.”
To which I would ask, “I’m curious why you haven’t spoken to him yet, especially if you have concerns.”
And after a long pause: “Well, I couldn’t find the right words.”
My client is not alone. Finding the right words might well be the first thing that can cause us to get “stuck” in finding our voice.
Here are some steps that might help you find yours:
Finding your voice is a lifelong process and is unique for each of us. I invite you to find out what works for you and build on it!
Dave Bushy of Boston Executive Coaches – bostonexecutivecoaches.com – is a an ICF-certified coach. He is a former U.S. Army officer and senior airline executive who works with leaders throughout American industry.
Image courtesy KELLEPICS at Pixabay