Reading Minette Norman's book, Boldly Inclusive Leader, is like having a dialogue with the author. I readily absorbed both the inspiring and cringe-worthy accounts of what happened in her life. I answered the questions she posed out loud, causing my husband to run into the room and ask who I was talking to!
The author provides strategies for navigating difficult conversations and prepares us to understand that what is undeniable today, more than ever, is the need for inclusive leadership in our personal and business lives. My slang for inclusivity is one-now, a simple practice of awareness that tells us to practice connection in our thoughts, words, and actions. Recently, I got a reminder of how important this is. Two people I admire fell into the quagmire of separation. It didn't take more than a moment to descend into an abyss of hurt feelings and maybe even unreconcilable differences. I detest the word unreconcilable because it says relationships can't be repaired. And if that is the case, we are all doomed to a world that doesn't work. I especially love Minette's book because she gives questions you can ask even in the most challenging situations when you would rather be right than reconciled. Read this book quickly. First, for the honesty and terrific stories Minette tells of growing up professionally in the software world. Then read this book slowly for the practices and well-aimed questions that will change your approach to difficult conversations, difficult people (the ones that don't agree with you or are dismissive or worse), and leading empowered teams. Start reading by envisioning a conversation you've decided is too hard to tackle. By the end of the book, I'll bet you'll see some possibilities for action. Remember, vision without action is a fantasy. The first step is the hardest, but without it, the conversation stays in your head rather than the world. The author reminds us, "When we don't have the hard conversations, the issues we are avoiding go underground, fester, and become more destructive." Almost 20 pages of the 154-page book is on listening. Amen to that! Listening is the glue that connects us all. Here's to changing the world, one difficult conversation at a time. |
PAULETTE'S BOOKSHELF
PAULETTE LOVES BOOKS!
She is an avid reader on many subjects and shares inspirations for mindful practices based on the stories, philosophies, and teachings shared by authors worldwide. She believes you can find the secrets to living a profoundly happy and healthy life in the pages of many a manuscript authored by masters and novices alike. Paulette shares what she's learned in easy-to-apply morsels as she practices the insights in her approach to mindfulness, communication, conflict, and just being yourself. Write to Paulette if a book you love has changed your perspective. Or read one of the books she's listed here and let her know what you've taken away as a personal practice. |
