I came across this framework many years ago and it served me well as a Sales Director.
For me, they represent “The Power of Conversations in Leadership”. The aim is to help have the right conversations with the right people at the right time, all leading to higher retention.
If you are a leader it would do no harm to use this framework. And by the way, as a leader let’s not forget, you are also likely to have your own manager who should be using these with you.
Here are the 4c’s I am referring to.
- Coaching conversations – help develop their teams skills, knowledge and ability.
- Career conversation – get them engaged in the vision of the company, the journey & themselves.
- Courageous conversations – those tough chats that need to be had.
- Caring conversations – To identify early signs of mental health, burnout etc .
The Power of Conversations in Leadership
- Effective leadership is often about having the right conversations at the right time.
Below are each of the 4 in more detail.
- Coaching conversations are essential in helping team members develop their skills, knowledge, and abilities. These interactions allow leaders to guide their teams through challenges and opportunities, providing personalised feedback that fosters growth. By investing time in these conversations, leaders empower their teams to reach their full potential, creating a culture of continuous improvement and learning.
- Career conversations play a pivotal role in aligning employees with the company’s vision and their personal career journey. When leaders engage in these discussions, they help team members see how their roles contribute to the broader organisational goals. This increases motivation but also strengthens their commitment to the company. In a recent survey we did on Linkedin 88% of 100 voters had left a job because there was nowhere else to go.
- Courageous and caring conversations are equally vital. Courageous conversations involve addressing difficult topics—whether it’s providing constructive feedback or discussing sensitive issues. These talks require honesty and empathy, and though they may be uncomfortable, they are necessary for fostering a transparent and trusting work environment.
- On the other hand, caring conversations focus on the well-being of team members, identifying early signs of mental health struggles or burnout. By showing genuine concern, leaders can offer support before issues escalate, ensuring a healthier and more resilient team.
A study by DDI (Development Dimensions International) found that empathy is a critical leadership quality that employees value. Leaders who show understanding and concern for their team members’ well-being are highly regarded.
This will take lots of energy & planning but with an enormous upside in your planned retention.
Neo Pedrithes
