Monday morning, 08:00 AM. Coaching session with S., head of department.

-Hi, S.

-Hi, George. I've been thinking about how I lead.

-And?

-I always aim for uniqueness in my work, striving for authenticity. But I'm unsure if this resonates with my team.

(He started this session abruptly. No chit-chat, no warming-up.)

-Reflecting on your leadership style is a great start. How do you think your focus on uniqueness affects your team?

(Especially with leaders centered on their "uniqueness", it's good to enlarge their perspective towards the impact and their self-centeredness effect on their teams.)

-My goal is to inspire innovation, to bring something new to every project... but there's this worry - what if my team doesn't get it, or worse, doesn't feel part of it?

-It's natural to have such concerns. And maybe you've had some signs...

-Indeed...

(He looks like he's trying to remember some details.)

-Some of my people fake their engagement, I somehow sense it...

(Should I tell him that I sometimes fake my engagement in my coaching sessions? Not yet...)

-Do you feel this fear of being misunderstood might be affecting your ability to connect with your team?

-It's like I'm in my own world sometimes, trying to maintain my individuality. I keep thinking, 'Stay true to your vision,' but is this creating a gap?

(Now.)

-It does for me, S.

(He looks puzzled.)

-Wow, George. What do you mean?

-I mean, I sometimes feel this gap... like... I am here and you are there, in your "world", but somehow I do not feel the connection to your vision.

(I wonder whether this was too much feedback.)

-Hm.

-It's interesting to consider the impact of your individuality. What benefits could embracing and sharing your unique perspective bring to your team and organization?

-Maybe I should open up more, share my vision in a way that includes them. Could this help us all feel more connected?

-Do you need an answer from me?

-Yes.

-It might. I would surely feel more included if the vision were ours, not only yours. Do you remember one minute ago? You started this session centred on yourself and your dillema, not on us...

(Long silence. He review the conversation maybe and ponders future possibilities. I interrupt him.)

-I am still here. Get out of the bubble!

(He laughs. We laugh.)

-How do you think changing your approach to communication could influence your leadership style and effectiveness?

-Feeling more connected, less isolated – that could change a lot. It might even bring new perspectives I hadn't considered until now...

-How might this transformation in approach affect your team and the organization as a whole?

-A shift to a more collaborative culture, perhaps? Where everyone's ideas contribute to our innovation and success?

-I do not know. But what I feel is that you seem ready to explore how your unique leadership style can evolve through greater engagement with your team. What are your thoughts on taking the first step?

-Restart this conversation and let me ask you how are you these days?

(We laugh.)