We Can’t Fix What We Can’t Talk About

Article by Emma Gibbens.

An avoided conversation rarely stays contained. It appears in duplicated work, shifting deadlines, unresolved tension, slower decisions and hours spent worrying about an issue that could have been addressed earlier. 

The financial case for better workplace conversations is strong. Gallup’s latest research covering more than 183,000 business units found that teams in the top quartile for employee engagement achieved 23 per cent higher profitability, 18 per cent higher sales productivity and 78 per cent lower absenteeism than those in the bottom quartile. (gallup.com) 

Feedback is part of the conversational infrastructure that supports these results. It gives people the information they need to adjust, make decisions, address friction while it’s small and direct their energy towards the work that matters. Having worked on a number of political campaigns starting with Barack Obama in 2008, I can attest to the strategic advantage of frequent conversations to create momentum and drive results. 

My SPARK Feedback framework identifies five types of short conversations. Before your next one-on-one, use these questions to decide which conversation would be most useful: 

• Strengths: What are they naturally brilliant at, and how could they use that strength more deliberately? 

• Priorities: What is the highest-leverage work for them right now, and what can they let go? 

• Appreciation: What specific effort or contribution deserves recognition? 

• Relationships: How are they working with the people around them, and where might an early check-in help? 

• Kindling: What small, constructive nudge could help them move forward before an issue grows? 

The point of SPARK is to choose the conversation that is needed now. Say it sooner. Say it smaller. Say it kindly. 

This week, begin with a Priority conversation. It is one of the simplest ways to reduce wasted effort while demonstrating that you are thinking strategically. 

Try asking your manager: 

“I’m getting more strategic about how I prioritise my workload. From my perspective, this project is the most important piece of work this week, supported by these secondary priorities. Does that match what you’re seeing?” 

Ten minutes spent confirming priorities can save hours of work heading in the wrong direction. 

Your SPARK homework: Have one Priority conversation this week and register for the free upcoming WiBF Webinar on September 8 now to learn more.