Pitfalls of Leading With Who You Are

In this episode of Lead With Who You Are, Dia Bondi discusses common pitfalls when leading with your voice and when asking for more. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on your audience's needs, curating and elevating the voices of others, and delivering compelling messages that align with your goals.  

Summary of the Communications Pitfalls:

Pitfall #1: Assuming that how you feel about something matters so much that you're obligated to communicate that every time. Dia explains the significance of focusing on what your audience needs to hear rather than solely expressing your feelings. She shares practical tips to calibrate your emotions and lead with intention.

Pitfall #2: Believing that your voice is the only voice that matters. Dia encourages leaders to curate and elevate the voices of others, allowing for a more distributed impact. She highlights the importance of being a high-impact color commentator and recognizing and reinforcing the points made by others.

Pitfall #3: Thinking that what you say has to be catchy, funny, or entertaining. Dia emphasizes the need for clarity and confidence in your storytelling, vision, and strategies. She advises against prioritizing entertainment over providing answers, clarity, and reasons to believe, while still allowing for moments of fun and engagement.

Summary of Common Pitfalls When Asking for More:

Pitfall #1: Deciding in advance what others will say yes or no to: Avoid the trap of assuming you know the outcome of your ask. By embracing uncertainty and testing the boundaries, you open yourself up to the possibility of receiving more than you anticipated.

Pitfall #2: Waiting for ordained negotiation moments to ask for anything at all: Don't limit your asks to specific negotiation situations. Recognize that you can ask for what you need at any time, even outside formal negotiations. Utilize the Ask Plan framework to identify strategic asks that align with your goals.

Pitfall #3: Thinking that if you ask big and get a "no", the conversation is over: Instead of viewing a "no" as a definitive end, see it as an opportunity to start a new dialogue. A "no'' can lead to exploring alternative possibilities and deepening relationships. Embrace the power of persistence and adaptability in your ask.

Get lots of resources in the Library section of this site. There, you'll find the Ask Plan framework, a 6-step guide to crafting powerful asks, as well as additional insights and tools to support your journey of leading with who you are.

Library section: diabondi.com/library

Ask Plan framework: diabondi.com/library/the-powerful-ask-plan