Small talks now vs. BIG talks later

One of my leadership team members at Dragon Army likes to say, “Let’s have small talks now vs. BIG talks later.” Meaning, don’t wait until something is a big problem before discussing it and trying to work it out.

The reference typically is in regards to our client relationships. We’re in technology, often times innovative technology. And no matter how much you plan, how hard you work, or how smart your strategy, things almost certainly will go wrong at some point along the way.

Our approach is to quickly talk to our partner as soon as we hit a bump and make sure everyone is on the same page about how we’re going to move forward.

I find this same mentality – small talks now vs. BIG talks later – applies to so many other areas of life. Certainly its the way managing your team should work. I’ve always loved the idea that the official performance review someone has should be boring, with no surprises, because if you have a great leader then you’re having conversations in real time. Small (but impactful) conversations.

This applies to marriage, parenting, and friendships as well. Small course corrections along the way are so much more impactful than waiting until something big and bad happens before having a conversation.  

So, go out and have some small conversations today ;)