Power of Candour in Teams
Most people fear Candour. The assumption is that Candour creates friction, reduces bonding and ignites conflict. So people choose to either hold back or dilute what they want to say.
Result – shallow relationships & low synergy in teams.
Impact – teams perform below par as unresolved conflicts drain the team of energy and prevent full involvement.
Candour, however, is a refreshing energy releaser in teams ! Any team or organization that uses Candour as part of its culture will be a super-performing team. Take a step back and reflect on all your relationships. The most comfortable relationships are the ones where people do fear saying what they want to say. The most productive relationships are those where you are your honest best ! Isn’t it ?
If Candour is so powerful and productive, why do people find it difficult to be candid ? The answer lies in not knowing how to use Candour. How does one define Candour ? Candour is really the ability to say what needs to be said, when it needs to be said, with the wisdom to use the right words. The key to unleashing the benefits of Candour is to focus on the other person’s behaviour and not the person.
Here is a simple technique. Use the phrase “When … then .. “ to describe behaviour and impact. When <behaviour> , then <impact>
Some Examples:
When you join the meeting behind schedule, then it gives me a feeling that you don’t see the meeting as important.
When you do not seek my input before you make decisions, then I feel my views are not important.
Go ahead. Try this ! When you try this method, then you will see significantly better outcomes !!