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Leadership Education: Don't Burn Bridges

Guest post by: Sylvia Lafair

Article Overview: Do you know an organization where everyone is happy? Do you know a company that is conflict free?

Leadership Education: Don't Burn Bridges

Do you know an organization where everybody is happy? Do you know a firm that is conflict free? Do you know folks who get along so well there are never tensions and annoyances?

The only place I have ever seen that kind of perfection is in a film called "Pleasantville". If you have never seen it, you will learn tons about human nature in those few hours it takes to watch transformation occur, (oops! I gave away the ending).

We all have a part of us that yearns for the perfection of peace. Sadly, we rarely take the time to explore what peace looks like, sounds like, feels like past superficiality of rainbows and bluebirds and violins playing softly in the background.

Here is a story from one of my coaching clients that nails the essence of working in a "happy place". The head of HR felt an employee, let's call her Louise, was taking too many days off for personal issues and questioned her abilities. The plea to fire her finally led to the reality. Several years later there was an opening that was perfect for Louise's skills.

She knew from others that Louise hated her present job and was looking for something more challenging. This job would fit the bill. Big question: could they transit through the rocky terrain of past hurts and frustrations?

Most will say "no", never call an old employee back and move to virgin territory. It is not easy to go where there was discomfort and where the blame game can be replayed.

Taking what my client had learned from the Total Leadership Connections program she told the HR Director she would handle this herself. A tough, yet vitally alive conversation ensued.

The end of the old story and the beginning of a new one has led to a wonderful collaboration. Just know there were many "I never knew that" and "Wow, I'm sorry you felt that way" and "What could we have done differently"?

The key here is relationships all go through many peaks and valleys and those who are willing to search for and tell the truth can transform work relationships, actually all relationships, from average to extraordinary; it just takes the willingness to push past out-moded beliefs and fears and take a leap of faith. My coaching client's comment "It's worth the sweat and discomfort to find a new and better way. Tell your readers to 'go for it' ; there is magic in telling the truth!

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Article Tags: bridges, conflict, free leadership, leadership education



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