LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP
The Art of Conversations
By Steve Adubato , PhD Freelance Contributor
Conversations are essential to almost any situation involving business , leadership , and communication . Now more than ever , as we are more than two and a half years into the pandemic , we need to think of conversations as more than “ small talk .” Consider the following tips and tools that are essential to the art of conversations :
◾ Be intentional . Don ’ t just view conversations as informal or impromptu . Too often , we enter a conversation unfocused and not goal oriented . Instead , every conversation should be an opportunity to build a relationship , learn
something new or find similarities between you and another person .
◾ Be open to other points of view . Knowing what you want to accomplish is one thing , but that doesn ’ t mean you can ’ t be open to alternative outcomes . The key is to be a good listener in a conversation . Good conversationalists ( as well as good leaders ) understand that there must be a healthy balance between talking and listening .
◾ Every presentation is an opportunity to make a connection . Too often , when we are asked to make a presentation , we see it in a linear fashion and begin preparing PowerPoint slides and all of the information we want to share with our audience . Instead , if we view a presentation as an opportunity to have a conversation , the payoff is huge .
◾ Be flexible . Be prepared to scrap your agenda and whatever list you brought into a conversation if the need arises .
Sometimes , people will surprise you with what they say or don ' t say . Great conversationalists are open to those surprises and are prepared to adapt .
◾ Follow up . When a conversation ends , be sure there is an agreement as to next steps . Then , be sure to follow up on what was agreed to by a specific deadline . They key is to keep the conversation going which will in turn keep the relationship going .
Steve Adubato , PhD , is the author of five books , with his newest , “ Lessons in Leadership 2.0 : The Tough Stuff ”, to be published later this year . He is an Emmy ® Award-winning anchor with programs airing on Thirteen / WNET ( PBS ) and NJ PBS who has appeared on CNN , Today Show and NPR . Steve Adubato ’ s “ Lessons in Leadership ” video podcast with co-host Mary Gamba airs Sundays at 10 a . m . on News 12 +. For more information visit www . Stand-Deliver . com
Earn
Your Master of
BUSINESS
Administration in 14 Months !
39 CREDITS
The Centenary University 14-Month MBA is an accelerated , online program designed to accommodate busy professionals .
Earn Your MBA in just 14-Months !
• Enroll in two classes every eight weeks .
• Take two courses at a time .
• Choose from two concentrations .
centu . org / 14-commerce
32 COMMERCE www . commercemagnj . com