Welcome back to the Look and Sound of Leadership. An ongoing series of executive

coaching tips designed to help you be perceived in the workplace the way you

want to be perceived. I'm Tom

Henschel, your executive coach and today we're talking about style conversations.

Estefanya was 30 days into leading a large division of scientists and doctors.

We were discussing her direct reports.

In general, she seemed pleased.

Except for Michael, she said, he's already pressuring me to reorganize the division.

I barely know where the bathroom is, as if I'm ready to think about a reorg.

I think he's going to be impatient with me. I move a lot slower than he does.

How do you imagine handling that with him? I asked. The way I always deal with people

like him, flex my style. She said, listen, Tom, I'm well aware that I am slower than many people.

I am. So I've gotten used to flexing my style but I can only

flex so much okay so one thing you'll do with Michael is flex your style a little what

else I don't know I don't want to get to the point where I have to confront him, but it may come to that if he pushes too hard. What would a confrontation sound like? I asked.

She gave a little shiver.

Oh boy, just thinking about it stresses me out.

To be honest, Tom, I'd pretty much avoid those conversations if at all possible.

I always have.

We sat in silence a moment and then I smiled and asked,

do you suppose Michael avoids confrontation?

I am sure he doesn't, she said.

...