Business Coach #170: Hilary Blair - Friction is Inevitable and Conflict Isn’t

The Coaching Podcast

Welcome to another episode on The Coaching Podcast focusing on how to communicate ARTfully, where we discuss the art of authentic communication and leadership presence. Today, we have the incredible Hilary Blair, a leadership communication consultant, coach, and former drama teacher, who brings a unique perspective on navigating business relationships.

In this episode, we’ll explore essential topics, including why friction is inevitable but conflict isn’t, and how to use your authentic voice in communication. Hilary will share insights on balancing team success with individual excellence and reveal how leaders can enhance their presence.

From communication hacks to the lessons we can learn from the drama world, get ready to discover how to activate the talent within your organization and embrace the power of being truly present.

Let’s jump in!

• 1.29: Do you prefer the aisle or window seat?
• 2.44: Friction is inevitable and conflict isn’t.
  • Friction - is remaining present and in relationship.
  • Conflict - is when the walls go up and we start lobbing things at each other.
• 5.52: What's a communication hack we can bring into these friction conversations?
  • Say this in your head: Can I get you a cup of coffee (maintain eye contact and presence)!
  • "Own the awkward."
• 9.36: The four ways to activate (executive) presence are:
  • 1) To see other people.
  • 2) To allow yourself to be seen.
  • 3) To choose the energy you are showing up with.
  • 4) To receive being seen (deepest connection and the hardest one).
• 12.27: "We hire people for their individuality and then we work on getting conformity and groupthink!"
• 14.29: How can coaches improve their presence? (Remain in relationship)
  • Acknowledge that this soft skill MATTERS!
• 22.06: All feedback is constructive! Hone your ability to give feedback.
  • "If we don't embrace the discomfort of staying in a friction-fraught world, we miss the fruitful outcomes."
• 24.09: What can coaches and leaders learn from the drama world?
  • 1) Allow and celebrate our individuality!
  • 2) Bringing discipline to an art form (repetition and practice).
  • 3) Embodyment - integrate the full integration of our bodies.
• 27.21: How do you let individual talent thrive and bring out the best in a team?
  • You have to adapt your communication (there are tools and there are skills - focus on improving your skills).
  • Allow the superpowers to come out (by celebrating) each individual and let the team know.
• 32.27: What makes a great coach?
  • "Have been there."
• 35.10: Disruptive coaching idea that will change the way we coach in 2030?
  • We need to focus on learning the "skills" of being human and in relationship.
  • We don't have one authentic voice because it depends on the situation.
  • Our authentic voice has the breath and the balanced stereo.

To learn more about becoming a workplace coach or advancing your coaching skills, visit: www.coachem.cc or email: [e-mail]

About Hilary Blair - Activating the Talent Within Your Organization

Being authentic and present is essential in the business world today. Presence is active and fluid, not a destination or a box to be checked on a leadership development form. It’s similar to balance needing nuanced adjustments to remain connected and in relationship. Presence is a verb.

I'm a leadership communication consultant and coach who brings years of professional experience as a business owner, entrepreneur, and artist to every interaction. So I understand leadership growth and team development firsthand which deeply influences our programs and coaching. Our sweet spot is supporting the larger and midsized companies that are seeking to activate the power of the individuals on their teams – you hired or promoted them because you see the potential and we assure it’s surfaced and embodied.

When not on the road, I can be found gardening–or since I live in Colorado–covering plants to protect them from hail. I also enjoy hiking, golfing, and curling up with a novel and a dog.

Connect with Hilary
Website: ARTiculateRC.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hbarticulate/