Valentino discusses his background and desire to develop better communication skills. The podcast explores obstacles in reaching executive roles, building trust in inept leaders, effective communication and accountability, and the struggle with tactful communication. It also delves into questioning constructively, managing emotions, owning interpretations, and reflecting on growth and tools for effective communication.
Valentino realizes the importance of self-awareness and managing expectations in effective communication.
Valentino aims to adopt a more collaborative and diplomatic communication style by visualizing himself on the same side as leaders and using open-ended questions and problem-solving strategies.
Deep dives
Valentino's Career Goals and Challenges
Valentino, a technology professional, seeks to advance his career and overcome gaps in his skills. He believes that his lack of technical acumen or effective communication may be holding him back. He wants to develop the skills necessary to move up to a leadership role and ensure he can deliver messages without causing tension or disrespect to higher-ups.
Valentino's Frustration with Ineffective Leadership
Valentino finds it challenging to trust and respect leaders who he believes lack the necessary skills. He becomes frustrated when leaders don't address problems or communicate effectively. This frustration sometimes leads him to project his expectations onto others, resulting in unproductive communication and potentially damaging relationships.
Recognizing the Need for Self-Reflection and Change
Through coaching, Valentino realizes the importance of self-awareness, managing expectations, and reframing his communication approach. He understands that projecting his standards onto others is counterproductive and aims to take a step back, question assumptions, and adopt a more collaborative and diplomatic communication style.
Practice and Intentionally Shifting Communication Approach
Valentino plans to visualize himself being on the same side of the table as leaders, setting the intention to create empowering and encouraging conversations. He will adopt a neutral tone and employ communication strategies such as open-ended questions, owning his interpretations, and focusing on collaborative problem-solving. While change may take practice and patience, Valentino is committed to managing himself and influencing others effectively.
He’s always believed in hard work and is extremely ambitious. But he’s received feedback that sometimes the way he communicates is too direct, and he wants to work on his delivery. Host Muriel Wilkins helps him understand what might be holding him back and coaches him through how he can improve his approach.