Sarah Hardy-Pickering

It sounds like an easy question to answer. But the reality is that finding the right time to consider how I show up at work and the impact that is felt by others when I am at my best and playing to win is more challenging than I first thought.

Making time for – let alone actually and critically – reflecting on ourselves and our behaviour is not a natural task for many of us and did, at least in my case, lead to some discomfort. Nevertheless this is the question that each of us were recently asked by the Steve Radcliffe Associates team to answer as part of our leadership development programme at Weightmans LLP.

My initial thought was that I would lead for smiling and being happy at work. But I reflected that that could perhaps sound facetious and shallow. And that is neither my intended impact nor part of the reputation I want to build. So far I’ve worked my way through leading for enthusiasm, for curiosity, for gracious listening and have concluded that what I am leading for, and passionate about, is conversation.

Conversation is not just talking – it’s listening too. It’s not just chatting or passing the time of day, although there will be some of that too. It is about developing relationships, learning what motivates us and others, discussing our values and beliefs and being interested and connected. To this end I am committed to asking lots of open questions, listening generously and open-mindedly and encouraging everyone to think about their personal development. And for me, the way to do this is through conversation. So the next time someone says to you that “we need to talk” it might be a good thing.

Leadership nudge: What is it that you are leading for? What conversations and with whom would it help to explore what you are leading for? Who could you ask to support you in what you are leading for?

Sarah Hardy-Pickering

Learn more about Sarah Hardy-Pickering, the author of this article.