Uncomfortable conversations

Been sitting with last week’s situation at work for a few days now, and honestly? I think I needed that uncomfortable conversation with Alex more than I realized.

Uncomfortable conversations

Turns out there’s a difference between being collaborative and letting someone steamroll the entire team dynamic. When he started redirecting every workshop planning meeting toward his ideas without actually listening to anyone else’s input, I kept telling myself it was just enthusiasm. But watching Michelle and the other staff members start checking out of discussions entirely? That’s when I realized my ‘collaborative approach’ was actually enabling behavior that was shutting down other voices.

The conversation itself was awkward as hell - nobody enjoys telling a colleague that their communication style is creating problems. But the relief on Michelle’s face during our next planning session was worth every uncomfortable second.

Processing through writing, as usual

Sometimes leadership isn’t about having all the answers or keeping everyone happy. Sometimes it’s about having the conversation that everyone needs but no one wants to start.

Weird how the moments that feel the messiest in real time often teach you the most about what kind of professional you actually want to be.