A conversation cannot stand alone. Every word exchanged becomes a piece of a bigger story. Conversations may be intermittent, but they are ultimately ongoing as they slowly carve out the shape of relationships. Elevated conversations involve more than honesty and sincerity—they are fundamentally proactive forces that build forward momentum, always setting up conditions for things to work well. They keep the whole story in mind, considering what has come before and what may come after.
Questions
What stories in your relationships are serving you? Which ones may be holding you back?
Think of a conversation that seemed innocuous on the surface but ended up changing your perception of the other person. How was your perception changed?
What stories held collectively by your team might be affecting how you relate to the rest of your organization?
(Part one of a five-part series)