Fiona Lloyd,
Principal Finance Business Partner
“I’m pleased that I was able to get out of my own way and speak up about something that I am passionate about; all fuelled by a powerful little card.”
At the end of our first face-to-face Personal Leadership Programme session, I was given a set of powerful question cards. I started incorporating the cards into my one-to-one sessions by asking team members to select a few cards at random. If they were comfortable, they would answer the question, and I always offered my own response in return. There was no pressure, it’s just a useful way of opening conversations.
During one of these sessions, a team member from the graduate cohort selected a card that asked: “If you knew you’d be listened to, what would you say that you’ve been staying quiet about?”
After receiving his response, I shared honestly: If I knew I’d be listened to, I’d take my Groupthink presentation to the Executive team.
I reflected on my response, and I realised that if I didn’t follow through, not only would I be holding myself back, but I’d also be setting the very example I hoped to avoid. Worse still, I’d be reinforcing the kind of silence that means opportunities and ideas are lost.
In September, I presented to the Executive team, and it was well received. Since then, I’ve been invited to present the topic to several Directorates across the organisation. The feedback and engagement have been validating and have prompted me to do more in this space and to share my knowledge and experiences.
I’m pleased that I was able to get out of my own way and speak up about something that I am passionate about. All fuelled by a powerful little card.