Quick Question: What conversations am I avoiding?
Quick Question
Here is today's quick question for you...What conversations am I avoiding?
The conversations we avoid are often the key to our biggest breakthroughs. Whether it's feedback we need to give, help we need, or an undeniable truth we need to acknowledge, the impact of consistent avoidance compounds over time and consumes disproportionate headspace at the same time.
Ask it when you're...
Sensing unresolved tension - When relationships feel strained, there's usually something unspoken to be aired.
Feeling isolated - Protecting others from your doubts and challenges can leave you carrying burdens that could benefit from being shared.
Noticing patterns of frustration - When issues surface repeatedly, it's often because the deeper conversation about expectations, boundaries, or values is being pushed to the bottom of the pile.
Listen for...
Try to listen for:
Emotional charge - when you feel your chest tighten or that niggle in the pit of your stomach, that could indicate a conversation worth having.
Rationalisation and delay tactics - if you hear yourself saying "it's not the right time" or "they wouldn't understand", it’s time to dig a little deeper.
Direction changes - if you find yourself working around people or problems rather than through them, avoidance is making you less efficient.
Follow up with...
Sometimes, the greatest value comes from the one extra question you take the time to ask.
In this situation, you could try…
What am I afraid this conversation will reveal about me?
What might be possible if I had this conversation?
What is avoiding this conversation costing everyone else?
Ready to go deeper?
Is this question hitting close to home? Let's schedule a time to explore how it applies to your leadership context and what you might do about it.