Dialogic Integrity: Emotions and Rationality in Leadership

Corporate speak often masks more than it reveals – how can leaders navigate this to foster genuine dialogue and integrity? In this episode of the Authentic Change Podcast, host Mike Horne delves into this challenging aspect of organizational communication. He examines how the nuanced use of language in corporate settings often leans towards debate-style interactions, rather than fostering authentic dialogue and meaningful connections.

Mike explores the essential role of integrity in leadership and organizational development. He introduces a thought-provoking model that categorizes dialogic encounters into rational and emotional types. Rational encounters typically involve formal, structured exchanges where breaches in integrity are addressed through organizational systems. Emotional encounters, in contrast, bring personal reactions and feelings into the conversation, highlighting the importance of authenticity and emotional intelligence in leadership.

Throughout the episode, Mike emphasizes the critical nature of language in corporate dialogue. He discusses how common phrases in business communication can inadvertently obscure underlying issues, and stresses the importance of leaders being mindful of their language to ensure that it promotes transparency and genuine understanding.

Reflecting on how conversations around integrity are conducted in the workplace, Mike urges leaders to consider how they can encourage open discussions about integrity in their daily interactions. He suggests that approaching these discussions with bravery, sincerity, and a mindset of love and gratitude can lead to more positive and impactful outcomes.

The episode concludes with Mike encouraging listeners to embrace opportunities to bring more authenticity to their interactions with bosses and co-workers, thereby nurturing a culture of integrity. He reminds listeners of the power they hold in shaping the organizational environment through their everyday conversations and actions.

• “Without integrity, you really can't lead, and without leading, you can't expect people to follow you.” (4:16 | Mike Horne)
• “What do we do to make dialogic encounters better? I think it starts with being brave. It starts with standing up for what you believe is right without considering the costs and to be sincere about it.” (12:11 | Mike Horne)
• “So there are plenty of opportunities that we have to discuss integrity, to think about the congruency of our thoughts, words, and actions, and to honor the principles of integrity. So my recommendation is, let's seize those opportunities to bring more of who we are to what we do, to speak up to think about dialogue and to create cultures where people effectively listen, as well. Because at the end of the day, the ability to listen can have a profound impact on the behaviors that we take and that's what people will see.” (14:07 | Mike Horne)