Not leaving anything on the table...

As a leader, there is no doubt you will be faced with an opportunity to confront someone.  The keyword is 'opportunity.'  Confronting someone usually is a little like going to the dentist, you have to but you don't want to.  It is however a great chance to add value to someone you care about.  Here are a few strategic steps to take to make it a good experience for both of you.  Be sure to...

1. Encourage - this is the "You can!" part of the conversation.  Encourage actually means to 'put courage into.'  Be sure to encourage the person with what they can do.

2.  Inspire - this is the "You could!" element.  When you inspire someone, you 'fill' them with a thought of what could be.  Paint a picture for them and help them see what could be.

*Both encourage and inspire lay the foundation for the final step.

3.  Equip - This is the "You should!" part of the process.  This is where we have an opportunity to add value to another by gently directing them to an area of improvement.

When confrontation is necessary, remember to build before you destroy.  And don't leave anything on the table...

Stretch yourself

Jesse