Is she getting ready to leave?
Stephen had brought his two key ladies along because he sensed they were looking at other opportunities . One looked managed the retail side of his clothing shop and the other, the internet orders.
After 40 minutes I asked them one at a time; “What is your purpose in coming to work?”
I asked Kim first and her response was honest. She’d settled in and learnt a new way of life after migrating to New Zealand 3 years earlier. Now she was feeling on top of her work and really wanted to own her own business.
Sarah explained that she had reached a plateau and was wondering what she should do next. She had been thinking of moving on too. Now she could see there was plenty of scope to grow in her current role. She just had to expect her people to lift their game and support them. She now understood how to do that and why it was important.
Both of these women left the meeting, excited about their work and clear on how they could progress their careers working for Stephen.
Steven was pleasantly surprised at their candid comments. He’d been planning the expansion of his business and now could now see how they would fit in. He could see how he would provide what the women needed and keep them in the team.
I left the meeting marvelling at the change in perspective and asking myself; “Over the life of those 3 people, what’s that conversation worth?”
A conversation that helps people see their future is always inspiring, presuming of course, a positive perspective.