One of the things that we are working on in our peer coaching group is being more conscious, especially of the light we shine and the shadow we cast. So when a colleague shared with me that one of his employees had told him that I was someone he enjoyed working with but that he found it difficult to talk with me directly about concerns, I knew it was an opportunity for me to have a conversation. Key here for me was to learn more about my impact, not only the light I was shining but in this case the shadow I was casting that was getting in his way of talking to me.

We arranged to have a conversation – I let him know that I was working on my impact felt and that I would welcome his feedback on how he experienced me and that I was keen to strengthen our relationship. He was equally keen to do this.  So successful was our conversation that we agreed to meet up regularly to ensure honesty with each other going forward and to help each other work on our impact intended and impact felt

Leadership nudge:  Who can you enrol in supporting you in growing your leadership and strengthen your relationship with at the same time?

By Richard Hoyle

Learn more about Richard Hoyle, the author of this article.