Creating Growth-Focused Conversations

The Daily Practice of Elevation

"The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place." ~ George Bernard Shaw

What You'll Learn:

• How to transform everyday interactions into growth opportunities

• The difference between transactional and transformational conversations

• Four conversation types that elevate rather than just inform

• How daily elevation practices create extraordinary culture

Most workplace conversations are transactional: status updates, task assignments, problem-solving sessions. These conversations get work done, but they don't grow people. They're about what needs to happen, not who people are becoming.

Transformational conversations, however, do both. They accomplish the necessary business while simultaneously elevating the human beings involved. They create what we call "elevation moments"—brief but meaningful exchanges that help people see their potential, feel valued, and grow in capability.

The remarkable thing? These conversations don't require more time. They require more intention.

The Four Elevating Conversation Types

1. Recognition Conversations

Most leaders think recognition means saying "good job." But elevating recognition goes deeper—it connects specific actions to character and impact.

Transactional Recognition: "Nice work on the presentation."

Elevating Recognition: "The way you adapted your presentation style when you noticed the client needed more detail showed real emotional intelligence. That flexibility is exactly the kind of leadership we need as we grow."

Notice the difference? Elevating recognition:

• Identifies specific behaviors or decisions

• Connects those behaviors to larger qualities or values

• Shows the broader impact of their actions

• Reinforces their growth and potential

2. Challenge Conversations

Instead of just assigning tasks, elevating leaders frame work as growth opportunities that stretch people toward their potential.

Transactional Challenge: "I need you to lead the client renewal meeting next week."

Elevating Challenge: "I've been watching how you build rapport with our clients, and I think you're ready to lead the renewal conversation with Morrison Industries. It's a chance to practice the strategic thinking skills you've been developing. What aspects of this opportunity excite you most? What support would help you succeed?"

3. Discovery Conversations

These conversations help people uncover their own insights, solutions, and potential rather than having everything provided for them.

Transactional Discovery: "Here's what went wrong and how to fix it next time."

Elevating Discovery: "What patterns are you noticing in your most successful client interactions? What do you think makes the difference? How might you apply those insights to other situations?"

4. Vision Conversations

These conversations help people see possibilities for themselves that they might not see on their own.

Transactional Vision: "You should consider developing your presentation skills."

Elevating Vision: "I've been thinking about your natural ability to synthesize complex information and make it accessible. Have you ever considered how powerful that skill could be in industry speaking opportunities? I can see you becoming a thought leader in this space. What would that look like to you?"

The Daily Elevation Practice

Here's how to weave elevating conversations into your regular interactions:

Start Each Day with Intention

Identify three team members you'll have elevating conversations with. This doesn't mean scheduling formal meetings—it means approaching your natural interactions with intention to elevate.

The Two-Minute Rule

Most elevating conversations take less than two minutes. A brief recognition, a growth-focused challenge, or a possibility-expanding comment can be woven into regular check-ins, hallway conversations, or team meetings.

The Weekly Pattern

• Monday: Set growth challenges for the week

• Tuesday: Recognition conversations for previous week's efforts

• Wednesday: Discovery conversations about current projects

• Thursday: Vision conversations about future possibilities

• Friday: Reflection conversations about learning and growth

The Compound Effect of Daily Elevation

When you consistently have elevating conversations, several things happen:

Individual Impact:

• People develop stronger self-awareness

• Confidence and capability increase

• Intrinsic motivation replaces external pressure

• Problem-solving skills improve

• Resilience and adaptability grow

Team Impact:

• Psychological safety strengthens

• Collaboration improves as people feel valued

• Innovation increases as people take more risks

• Accountability becomes self-directed

• Retention improves dramatically

Cultural Impact:

• Elevation becomes the norm, not the exception

• People start having elevating conversations with each other

• Growth mindset permeates all interactions

• The organization becomes known for developing people

• Performance improvements become sustainable

The Elevation Multiplier Effect

Here's the most powerful aspect: elevation is contagious. When people experience being elevated, they naturally start elevating others. Your leadership approach ripples throughout the organization, creating what we call an "elevated culture."

In these cultures, people:

• See potential in themselves and others

• Approach challenges as growth opportunities

• Support each other's development actively

• Take ownership of their own learning

• Find meaning and purpose in their daily work

Your Growth-Focused Challenge

This week, commit to transforming your conversation patterns:

Day 1: Have three recognition conversations that connect specific actions to character and impact

Day 2: Frame at least two work assignments as growth challenges with development aspects

Day 3: Practice three discovery conversations that help people uncover their own insights

Day 4: Have at least one vision conversation that helps someone see new possibilities

Day 5: Reflect with your team on what they've learned and how they've grown this week

Pay attention to how these conversations feel different—both for you and for them. Notice how energy, engagement, and ownership shift when elevation becomes your default communication style.

Remember: Every conversation is an opportunity to either diminish or elevate the people around you. The choice you make in each moment shapes not just their performance, but their potential.

When elevation becomes your daily practice, you don't just manage people—you grow them. And growing people is the ultimate expression of transformational leadership.

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