Pause, Listen, Lead: The Power of Fair Process in Agile Leadership

Imagine we're sitting comfortably on a couch, each with our favorite beverage maybe coffee, tea, or a glass of wine. That's exactly the kind of relaxed, open, and authentic space I strive to create in my coaching practice. One of the most powerful ways I've found to help leaders have better conversations is through something called "Fair Process." Derived from restorative practices, Fair Process isn't just about fairness it's about creating conversations where everyone feels heard and valued.

Fair Process is built on three simple yet powerful principles:

Engagement: Inviting everyone involved to share their thoughts and genuinely listening without interruption or judgment.
Explanation: Taking the time to clearly communicate the reasons behind decisions, so everyone feels respected and understood.
Expectation Clarity: Making sure everyone leaves the conversation knowing exactly what comes next, removing ambiguity and building trust.

In agile leadership, conversations often move quickly, and it can feel challenging to pause and truly listen. But when you intentionally apply Fair Process, you create psychological safety a space where people aren't afraid to speak up, share ideas, or even disagree.

Here's how it might look in a 1:1 conversation:

Engagement Example: You might start by saying, "I'd really like to hear your perspective first. What's on your mind about this situation?" This sets the stage for genuine dialogue.
Explanation Example: After listening, clearly share your thinking: "Here's why I made this decision let me walk you through my thought process."
Expectation Clarity Example: End your conversation with clarity, saying something like, "Just to make sure we're aligned, here's what we'll both do next. Does that feel clear to you?"

I remember coaching a leader who often felt frustrated by team conflicts. After introducing Fair Process, he started genuinely listening to his team's concerns before responding. Not only did tensions decrease, but his team began proactively sharing ideas, leading to stronger collaboration and significantly improved morale.

Reflection Questions:

Can you recall a recent conversation where applying Fair Process could have led to a better outcome?
What might shift in your relationships or team dynamics if you intentionally paused more to truly listen?

Before your next important conversation, take a moment to center yourself and commit to listening without interruption.
Practice paraphrasing what you've heard to ensure understanding: "What I hear you saying is... Did I get that right?" In my experience coaching leaders, this approach transforms relationships. It builds mutual respect, deepens trust, and creates a space where meaningful dialogue thrives.

So, think about your own conversations how might embracing Fair Process make a difference in your leadership and the trust you build with your teams?

By Benjamin Adkins, ACC