Open. Authentic. Honest. Vulnerable. Expressive. Sometimes painful, always a catalyst for new learning.
The real conversation is the one below the surface of the one that is familiar and comfortable.
It is the one hinted at but only entered into when two people agree to ask the un-askable questions give the un-giveable answers.
I am a deeply privileged human being in so many ways. One of those for which I am most thankful is that the “real conversation” is explicitly stated in my job description.
It is an expectation of my professional interactions that I have – and help others to have – real conversations because they are the ones that lead to lasting change. And the degree to which people trust me to do so, the ways in which they willingly, if often tenderly and cautiously, enter into territory that has been perceived as off limits, is humbling beyond measure.
It helps me to appreciate how deep our shared need is for more authentic connection. It also makes me optimistic that the more we work together to meet that need the more likely we are to meet other needs as well.
This is #39 in the series, “50 Ideas Worth Fighting For.” Care for one more?
PS: If you are reading this on Facebook, I would like to invite you to go to my website to sign-up for direct delivery of my blog posts. I will be de-activating my FB account at the end of the month. Thank you!
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