Matt role modelling leadership behaviour with an ethnically representative sample of colleagues
Things have changed around the house a little since Matt began his MBA program and started taking leadership courses at work.
Matt: Rebecca, are you right for a quick 1:1 in about 15 minutes?
Bec: Why are you calling me Rebecca? And we’re sitting at the kitchen table together, I can talk now, what’s wrong?
Matt: Oh I’m sorry, I thought Rebecca was your preferred name. My apologies. I’ve just a few more things to get through now, however we can meet in the lounge room if you’re not comfortable here, and would prefer some privacy?
Bec: Privacy from who? Molly?
Matt: Does 15 minutes suit you?
Bec: I guess so, yes.
Matt: Good, I look forward to speaking with you then. In the meantime, my door is always open.
Bec: ?
15 minutes later
Matt: I’m free to meet now if it’s convenient?
Bec: Yeah okay, what did you want to talk about?
Matt: Well, how have you felt your last week has gone?
Bec: What do you mean?
Matt: Do you feel this relationship is meeting expectations?
Bec: What? And why are you speaking with your hands like Marco from Mastchef?
Matt: Does my body language make you uncomfortable? I can totally understand why you might feel that way. I’ve already taken the trouble of developing a body language matrix and will endeavour to adjust my physical communication strategy to better align with your needs. Would you class yourself as an octopus or a squirrel?
Bec: I’m just going to watch TV now.
Matt: Is there anything I can be doing better to help you reach your short and long-term goals?
Bec: My goal at the moment is to keep watching this episode of SeaChange. Can you please go away?
Matt: If you were a colour, what colour would you be?
Bec: I’d be piss off.
Matt: I’ll put that down as yellow. But I’m sensing some hostility here, and that’s okay, because I’ve separated your behaviour, from you, the person. And I’ve diagnosed you as a relationship developmental level three – medium skill, still requiring a fluctuating level of support.
Bec: Great, I think I might separate me, the wife, from you, the husband today.
Matt: Tell me more about why you feel that way. And please, call me Matthew.
Bec: Who is the HR manager in our marriage? I wish to file a complaint.
