In this episode of the Failure Gap podcast, Julie speaks with Hilary Blair, CEO and co-founder of Articulate, Real and Clear. They discuss the journey of navigating the space between agreement and alignment in leadership and communication. Hilary shares her background in theater and how it shaped her approach to helping leaders communicate effectively. The conversation explores the importance of being available as a leader, the dynamics of power in communication, and the need for self-awareness and mindset shifts to foster better collaboration and innovation within teams. They emphasize the value of fruitful friction in discussions and the necessity of creating a safer space for diverse voices to be heard.

Takeaways

• Words create worlds; the language we use matters and leaders must bridge agreement and alignment by fostering open dialogue and valuing diverse perspectives.
• Availability, mindful language, and self-awareness are crucial for effective leadership communication.
• Friction can lead to fruitful discussions and innovation, and safe spaces encourage open communication, where friction can spark innovation and collaboration.
• Diversity of thought enhances team outcomes.
• Understanding power dynamics and embracing mindset shifts are essential for collaborative success.
• Leaders must evolve their habits to promote inclusivity and achieve true alignment within their teams.