Top Takeaways Tuesday: The Power of Open Conversations for Creating Better Boards

The Knowing Self Knowing Others Podcast, Ep 69

Hello KSKOers

Dr Paul Furey is a psychologist with and prolific TikTokker with a huge following. I’m one of his fans! His videos are full of interesting observations and sage advice. I was delighted that he was able to join me. I hope you can join us as we explore candid conversations and the benefits of empathic conversations!

Listen to the episode here:

Here are my top takeaways from our conversation:

1. Creating Safe Spaces: Creating a safe space for non-executive board members is vital for open and honest communication within a board. Dr Paul Furey emphasises the need for non-executives to feel safe enough to speak up and share their perspectives. This safe space fosters trust and understanding, ultimately leading to more meaningful and productive interactions. When non-executives feel free to express their opinions without fear of retribution, it can lead to a more diverse range of voices being heard, ultimately benefitting the organisation.

Question for reflection: How can organisations actively create safe spaces for non-executives to voice their perspectives during board meetings?

2. Active Listening: Active listening and emotional intelligence underpin the process of creating a safe space for open communication. We talk about the significance of being attentive to body language, words, and feelings in conversations, which is crucial for building trust and understanding among board members. This kind of attentive listening not only helps in building rapport but also creates an environment where everyone feels respected and heard, regardless of their position on the board.

Question for reflection: What steps can you take to enhance your active listening and emotional intelligence skills in a professional setting, like a board meeting?

“We're told to always listen, but we don't really understand that it's not a passive activity. So at school, in university, we are taught listening as a passive activity where you sit still and you don't move until you're told to.”

3. Self-Awareness impacts Conversations: Self-awareness plays a pivotal role in navigating conversations effectively. Both Paul and I stress the importance of individuals developing self-awareness to recognise their own behaviour and habitual responses. It's this self-awareness that allows individuals to contribute to more authentic and meaningful conversations within a board. Without self-awareness, there's a risk of unintentionally dominating conversations or dismissing other people’s perspectives, hindering the potential for open and inclusive dialogue.

Question for reflection: What strategies can you use to cultivate a greater sense of self-awareness in your professional interactions?

4. Empathic Conversations: Addressing emotions and feelings is crucial for resolving disagreements in conversations. Paul discusses the significance of empathy and compassion, as well as the importance of setting a safe environment and ground rules before meetings start and conversations happen, to encourage open and honest communication. By addressing emotions and fostering compassion, boards can create an environment where difficult conversations are approached with understanding and empathy, leading to far more productive resolutions.

Question for reflection: How can you help people to share their feelings, views and opinions whilst fostering compassion in meetings?

5. Leaders Set the Tone: Leaders sets the tone for conversations and play a critical role in creating a safe environment for open and honest communication. We talk about the responsibility of leaders in establishing safety within the board and encouraging a culture of openness. Leadership that actively encourages open dialogue, values diverse perspectives, and demonstrates empathy can drastically impact the culture within a board, setting the stage for transparent and constructive interactions.

Question for reflection: What are some practical steps that you can take to foster a culture of openness and safety within in your meetings and on your boards?

How can you use these top takeaways and reflection questions (TTRQ)?

1. Pick one of the TTRQs

2. Share it with you team

3. Ask for their thoughts and views. Reflect, discuss and debate

4. Get to know your own thoughts better. Help others to know their thoughts better. Get to know each other better.

5. Share your thoughts here with us on what you’ve discovered and learned.

Hope you enjoy the episode and find that these TTRQs generate interesting and awareness raising discussions!