The next step in the authentic conversation after declaring your concern and commitment is to state the assertions (facts) supporting your concern. Assertions, from a speech act perspective, are either true or false. They are supported by evidence or agreed to rules of logic. I use this simple formula to determine whether the statement is a fact or not. If it can be video recorded, tape recorded or instrumented, it is a fact. If not, it is not a fact. It is usually an assessment (interpretation) or another type of speech act. Developing an ear for what statements are facts versus interpretation is a critical skill of leadership and management.
Facts are always about the past. There can be no facts about the future. You cannot predict the future with certainty.
Lakesha
April 11, 2011 at 11:23 am
With the bases ladode you struck us out with that answer!