As usual this next Tuesday at 9:30pm EST we’ll be having our weekly conference call. However, this week I want to challenge you all a little bit.
For some of you conference calls are a hard way to communicate, for others you find it a very natural way to communicate. I want to challenge those of you who struggle during calls to push yourself to step up a little more. Maybe that means you facilitate the call this week or maybe that means you take notes or maybe you just speak up more. I know this is difficult and stretching… that’s why it’s a challenge.
For those of you who find conference calls easy and natural, my challenge for you is to step back. Begin monitoring yourself – how many times do I speak up? how long do I talk each time? You all have valuable things to say, but realize that others who have equally good ideas might not be heard. This will be equally as stretching for you as you will have to fight to hold back – especially when there’s an awkward silence you want to fill or when you have a really great idea to share. Again… it’s a challenge.
Tuesday, in addition to whatever topics need to be discussed, we’ll be talking about Conflict Management. For those of you who need to prepare yourself to talk a little more, you can get ready through the weekend.
I’m so proud of you guys and all the growing and stretching you are submitting yourselves to. I know it’s difficult and sometimes painful. We are rooting for you and are here to help as much as we can.
