When Personality Meets Practice: Turning Awareness into Action

Have you taken the quiz yet to know which “Way” you tend to lead?

• My Way is driven by results and focused on getting things done.
• Right Way values order and structure, with a need for clear rules and plans.
• Fun Way brings energy and creativity, thriving on flexibility and connection.
• Nice Way prioritizes harmony and understanding, often steering clear of conflict.

None of these wayz are right or wrong. These are simply reflections of how we tend to lead, communicate, and handle stress.

In my fieldwork, I’ve noticed many leaders know what needs to be said but hesitate when the moment comes. They want to protect relationships, avoid tension, or simply aren’t sure which approach will be received best. That’s where awareness meets practice.

Try putting your personality awareness together with a few strategies for communicating in uncomfortable or tension-driven situations:

The 3-Point Conversation

When tensions rise, clarity and collaboration are everything. The 3-Point Conversation helps leaders stay grounded by building agreements at every stage.

1. Identify the problem or situation and agree on what the real issue is.
2. Identify the evidence and agree on what shows the problem exists—facts, not feelings.
3. Collaborate on a solution and agree on what success looks like for both parties.

Mapping your conversation ahead of time helps you prepare for your own anticipated emotions and perceptions as well as the other person’s. Your goal is to keep the conversation focused and respectful towards a common understanding and solution. When everyone agrees on what’s happening, why it matters, and how to move forward, trust grows and accountability follows.

Feedback Without Fallout

This 4-part framework helps you deliver feedback that’s clear, supportive, and focused on growth. It holds space for accountability and compassion, while taking into consideration how your way can create authentic dialog with others.

The 4-Part Feedback Framework:

• Observation: “I noticed…” (Specific, neutral facts)
• Impact: “The result was…” (How it affected the work, team, or client)
• Intention: “I believe your goal was…” (Assume positive intent)
• Forward Focus: “Next time, let’s…” (Actionable path forward)

Example:

“I noticed that the last report missed three key client updates. The result was that we had to send a follow-up, which caused some client frustration. I know your intention was to meet the tight deadline, and I appreciate that. For next time, let’s build in a 10-minute review buffer to catch those details.”

This approach creates clarity, builds safety, and helps people grow without fear or defensiveness.

Leadership is about knowing yourself well enough to choose the right approach for the moment. When you combine self-awareness with practical strategy, conversations become opportunities for connection, growth, and shared success.

✨ Explore your “Way” of leading and learn how to apply these tools inside the Evolving Leader Fellowship. Learn more at EvolvingLeaderFellowship.com.