I recently role-played a high performing senior leader. The other player, my boss, was briefed that she needs me to focus my energy and competence on a new goal. And I was to lead my team to make a big, short-term course correction. She had to get me to make that change, when I was convinced that mine was the right strategy. Firing me was not an option.
Here’s what happened: I heard my conversation partner congratulate me on my impressive track record. But the appreciative words did not land at all. Instead I tightened up, because …