Tackle Tough Conversations. How To Be The Best Leader | Guest: Dianna Anderson

Hard conversations are unavoidable for leaders. Avoiding them is not optional.In this powerful episode of The Leadership Toolkit, our host Mike Phillips sits down with Dianna Anderson, Co-Founder and CEO of Cylient, to unpack why tough conversations feel so difficult and how leaders can navigate them with confidence, clarity, and purpose.Dianna is the creator of Untying the Knot, a proven framework that helps leaders coach in the moment and move through challenging conversations that stall progress. With more than 55,000 leaders trained worldwide, recognition from Forbes as a pioneer in coaching cultures, and authorship of the first textbook on the ROI of coaching, Dianna brings deep expertise and real-world practicality to this conversation.In this episode, you will learn:Why real coaching is about igniting insight, not giving adviceHow curiosity changes the outcome of difficult conversationsThe difference between coaching and managing, and when each mattersWhy “no choice, no coaching” is a critical leadership principleHow change has changed and why the human side of change matters more than everIf you lead people, coach teams, or want to grow through change instead of resisting it, this episode will give you tools you can use immediately.🧰 Tools of the Trade: Top Takeaways You Can Use1️⃣ Shift from judgment to curiosity - Before you try to “fix” anything, get curious about what’s really going on for the person. Curiosity creates safety and opens the door to progress.2️⃣ Use the coaching litmus test: “Is insight ignited?” - Real coaching creates an “aha” moment that changes perspective. If the conversation never sparks insight, it usually turns into advice, pressure, or persuasion.3️⃣ Center yourself before the hard conversation - Go in calm, grounded, and clear. A centered leader sets the emotional tone and makes the conversation feel safer for everyone involved.4️⃣ Make the conversation about service, not your agenda - Ask: “How will this help them?” When your intention is genuinely to help someone grow, resistance drops and collaboration rises.5️⃣ Remember: no choice, no coaching - If the person has no option (it must be done), be direct. Save coaching for after, when you can help them learn, adapt, and improve the way they execute moving forward.Contact Information:Dianna AndersonWeb: Cylient.comLinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linkedin.com/in/Dianna-Anderson-CylientMike PhillipsEmail: ⁠⁠⁠⁠[e-mail]⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Linkedin.com/in/LeadTheTeam⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter: ⁠⁠@LeadershipTLT⁠YouTube: ⁠YouTube.com/@MikePhillipsCredits:Hosted by Mike PhillipsProduced by The Leadership Toolkit TeamGuest: Dianna Anderson, teaching over 55,000 leaders to untie the knot and thrive in business.Watch more episodes of the Leadership Toolkit at https://spotify.TheLeadershipToolkit.comIf you enjoyed this episode please consider leaving a 5-star review!Make sure you share this as a resource with friends and colleagues.Thank you for watching and listening!* Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests on this show are solely those of the guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the host, producers, or any affiliated parties. The host and production team make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information discussed by guests on the show. Listener discretion is advised.*** Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links listed go to my websites and some are affiliate links that may generate me a sales commission if you make a purchase.