Jonathan Stroud’s Post

There’s an epidemic sweeping across the industry... we’ll call it the “buzzword blanket.” It's the act of throwing as many buzzwords into a pitch or presentation as possible, hoping to dazzle your listener. But that strategy is only effective if we are also conveying genuine value and opportunity. Remember: transparency, authenticity, and clarity will always win over corporate jargon. Let's reclaim the meaningful conversation. Agree? Let me know your thoughts below.

There’s an epidemic sweeping across the industry... we’ll call it the “buzzword blanket.” It's the act of throwing as many buzzwords into a pitch or presentation as possible, hoping to dazzle your listener. But that strategy is only effective if we are also conveying genuine value and opportunity. Remember: transparency, authenticity, and clarity will always win over corporate jargon. Let's reclaim the meaningful conversation. Agree? Let me know your thoughts below.

Here’s a skill you probably didn’t know you needed: How to exit a conversation, gracefully. Some are lucky enough to be natural at it. But most need a ton of practice. Because really, you will get into some pretty awkward situations. It can be the occasional racism, or a ridiculous comment thrown at you, maybe even a back-handed compliment! The awful truth is, that you have to learn how to blow people off a bit. But always in a polite and respectful manner. There are no partial paychecks in this business so you have to master how not to ruffle any feathers. Be the nice guy and keep the conversation warm until your graceful exit. It takes a great deal of emotional maturity and self-control to pull this off --- You can end it with things like: “Drinks later?” or “Hey! Let’s circle back on this.” Learn how to finesse your way out of conversations that can make a deal go sideways. Today’s topic was a thinker ---I’d like in on yours!   Share them with me down below! 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻

There’s one definitive way to know if you’re walking away for the right reasons, or giving up because it’s easier… Are you rehearsing your excuses? Are you interviewing your reasons and preparing to defend it to others? Are you putting as much energy in to finding a way to continue, as you are trying to craft a narrative that makes it seem okay to give up? We ALL have the little devil on our shoulder when it’s hard… One must simply ask “where is this conversation taking me?” If it can be endured, endure it. Stop making fanciful stories to justify letting yourself down.

𝐋𝐄𝐓'𝐒 𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐊 We all know to ask open-ended questions if we want to create a mature, motivational and positive conversation. But why not "why"? A "Why?" question can often prompt a reaction of defense or offence and it usually doesn't get you a sophisticated answer. Add a tone of doubt or accusation to your why question and the conversation is likely to take a downward spiral very quickly. Bringing in the old How, What, When, Who and other conversation starters will help you ask a more comprehensive question to which you are more likely to get the full and unbiased answer you are looking for. "Why did you do that?" may result in "Because I want to", "Because you told me to", "What's it to you!" versus "What brought you to that decision?" or "Can you help me understand what's happening here?" or "Show me how this works". By using this technique you're likely to receive a more substantial answer and one that is closer to the intention of your question as it implies curiosity rather than judgement. I'd love you try this during the week and let me know how you get on. #LetsTalk #WhyWhyNot #PositiveCommunication #LifeCoachingForWomen #TheBalanceTree

𝐋𝐄𝐓'𝐒 𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐊 We all know to ask open-ended questions if we want to create a mature, motivational and positive conversation. But why not "why"? A "Why?" question can often prompt a reaction of defense or offence and it usually doesn't get you a sophisticated answer. Add a tone of doubt or accusation to your why question and the conversation is likely to take a downward spiral very quickly. Bringing in the old How, What, When, Who and other conversation starters will help you ask a more comprehensive question to which you are more likely to get the full and unbiased answer you are looking for. "Why did you do that?" may result in "Because I want to", "Because you told me to", "What's it to you!" versus "What brought you to that decision?" or "Can you help me understand what's happening here?" or "Show me how this works". By using this technique you're likely to receive a more substantial answer and one that is closer to the intention of your question as it implies curiosity rather than judgement. I'd love you try this during the week and let me know how you get on. #LetsTalk #WhyWhyNot #PositiveCommunication #LifeCoachingForWomen #TheBalanceTree

Did you know that offering solutions alongside criticism is far more effective than just pointing out problems. Next time you feel the urge to vent about something bothering you, why not suggest a few ideas to fix it? You'll be surprised at how much more productive and positive the conversation can be. By providing solutions, you're not simply complaining—you're actively advocating for change. It's like saying, “Here's the issue, and here's how we can work together to address it.”

When addressing a challenge with direct report or colleague, it is easy to get lost in the recent behavior or recent event over the one that really matters. The reason we do that it is easier to anchor in the specifics of the current conversation rather than past ones. We also don't want to be accused bringing up old history. The problem with this is that you never get to the pattern of the behavior. You are addressing paper cuts in lieu of an open wound. Remember, if we are having deja vu conversations, the problem most likely lies with us.

Stop asking interrogative questions Explore opinions, feelings & emotions. Understand, don't convince. #affectovereffect #trust Pete A Turner & Robin Dreek Deep Dive into questions

When you lead with transparency from the go, it builds trust. Transparency might mean having some difficult conversations. It's the only way to genuine integrity. Transparency creates a safe space for people to show up as their imperfect selves too. It can only be a win, win.