Direct
“Please read the attached report and note down any reflections before we meet next week.”
Direct
“I need everyone to submit their project updates by 4pm on Thursdays. It’s part of our reporting requirement and it ensures we can finalise the weekly dashboard accurately.”
Direct
“For the next 6 months I’d like us all to focus on sales generation efforts, and that includes everybody in the organisation whether they have sales in their job title or not.”
Direct
“I’m going to ask you all to give me some feedback on how you’re thinking about this, and please keep your feedback to 2 minutes so everyone gets a turn.”
Direct
“We cannot do what you’re proposing; employment law does not permit it.”
Direct
“That report by a week next Friday please.”
Direct
“As senior leaders in this organisation it’s our responsibility to role model the types of behaviours and mindset that we want from the rest of our colleagues.“
Direct
“That’s not how this needs to be done. I need you to read the works instruction and follow it step-by-step.“
Direct
“It’s not acceptable for you to speak to any of your colleagues like that.”
Direct
“I’m happy to speak anytime between 9 and 5.30 Monday to Friday, but I won’t be available for calls outside of those hours.’“
The Direct voice in its dysfunctional version:
Direct
Pressure
“You’ll do exactly what I tell you to do, when I tell you to do it and how I tell you to do it.”
Direct
Pressure
“That’s irrelevant to the conversation. We need to stick to the agenda so we get stuff done on time.”
Direct
Pressure
“Make sure you check the small print and then come back and show it to me.”
Direct
Pressure
“You need to do this as I told you to do it and you need to do it now.”
Direct
Pressure
“Disagree with me in front of other people one more time and you’re in trouble.”
Direct
Pressure
“If I say do it, just do it.”
Direct
Pressure
“That’s not up for discussion. We’ll do it my way. End of story.”
Direct
Pressure
“Your dog needs to be under control which means if you have an XL Bully in a public space the dog needs to be muzzled and on the lead at all times; there are no exceptions.”
Direct
Pressure
“Right! I need everyone to follow the process exactly as I’ve outlined…or there are going to have to be consequences.”
Direct
Pressure
“You’re not here to think. You’re here to do what you’re asked to do. Get on with it.“