Be courageous!

Trusteeship often involves ‘courageous conversations.’

These are the sorts of conversations we need to have with people who may not want to hear, or may not be expecting, the message that has to be delivered. 

Examples for trustees could be having to tell a demanding beneficiary the answer is ‘no’. 

Another would be telling a wayward co-trustee they can’t continue making decisions on their own.   

More often than not, the tough conversations are about resetting expectations and exercising control.  That’s important where you’re the decision-maker with responsibility and risk resting with you. 

Often, the longer you hold off, the harder an issue becomes to deal with. 

It’s a bit like when you straddling a farm fence.  The longer you’re there, the more it hurts.

It’s ironic that as parents, we’re pretty quick to front foot issues with our children.  In business, we’re not always as quick to react. 

Sometimes courageous conversations require you to front up fully knowing a client may choose to walk, or that you may have to. 

Therein lies the challenge (and a potential conflict). 

No one expects services for free or for the answer always to be ‘yes’.  

When it comes to resetting expectations, I’ve found clients respect hearing the truth, even when it hurts.  Be courageous!

Trust good practice.

Lindsay