Bob Dixon interviews Marisa McClure, leadership coach and Navy veteran. They have a great discussion about mastering difficult conversations, a critical skill for effective leadership in both military and corporate settings. Marisa shares her experiences from her diverse career, including roles as a director of sailing at the Naval Academy and a prison warden, to provide actionable strategies for approaching challenging conversations with confidence and achieving positive outcomes.
This episode offers valuable insights for leaders looking to improve their communication skills, build stronger teams, and foster a culture of accountability.
Key Takeaways:
- Before engaging in a difficult conversation, take time to think through the message, anticipate potential reactions, and rehearse how to convey the information effectively.
- Address issues promptly and avoid sugarcoating the message. The longer you wait, the harder the conversation becomes.
- Use active listening, maintain eye contact, and be mindful of body language. Paraphrase to ensure understanding and try not to interrupt.
- Differentiate between excuses and reasons, and guide individuals towards owning their actions and learning from mistakes.
- Leaders need the courage to speak up and address issues, even when it’s uncomfortable or unpopular.
- Create a culture where feedback is encouraged and valued, promoting open communication and continuous improvement.
Quotes from Marisa McClure in this episode:
“The standard you walk past is the standard you accept.”
“…everybody messes up… but let’s make sure that we’re acknowledging the mistake, right? And we’re learning from it and trying not to make the same mistake twice.”
” … do you have good moral character, but do you have moral courage?”
Resources Mentioned:
- LinkedIn: Marisa McClure
- LinkedIn: Bob Dixon
- Email: [email protected]
