Pragmatic parenting: Finding the right environment for discussions

Let’s go on a journey together as we explore the importance of creating the right environment for discussions.

Imagine this: You are walking in the door after getting stuck at work two hours later than expected, have a terrible sinus infection and got caught in a cold downpour after forgetting an umbrella.  All you want to do after getting home is have a steamy shower, pour a cuppa and veg out like a carrot while watching your favourite mindless TV show.  Right before you step into the shower, you get a call from your best friend who wants to finish planning which luxury hotel they are treating you to for your upcoming birthday in three months.

Now imagine another scenario, where you are out for a walk on a sunny 24 degree (75 degrees Fahrenheit) afternoon during a few hours of down time on the weekend when that same friend calls to talk through the luxury hotel options for your birthday.

In both cases the topic of conversation with your best friend is the same and exciting. However, the environment surrounding the conversation is very different.  Being able to create the right environment to have conversations, both professionally and personally, is so important.  For example, if there are important things I want to discuss with my wife, Kara, I make a point of picking a time that works well for both of us and enjoy taking the conversation outdoors to benefit from a more relaxed environment.

As we wrap up today’s journey together, I encourage you to think about environments which are good for you and whoever you’re speaking with (partner, colleague, boss, etc.) and to try to make the environment as conducive as possible to having important conversations.  There will always be times when something unexpected comes up, but you don’t need to solve everything in one chat – let things evolve by listening, absorbing, reflecting and revisiting, if necessary.

**Drake Peabody is a global finance leader as well as a Trustee with Equality Starts at Home, a charity focused on creating a world where equality at home is a reality for all.  In addition to this, Drake serves as a Trustee for Village Water, is a member of the Leaders Plus Network Council, and a diversity and inclusion advocate with Men For Inclusion.
 
Drake and his wife, Kara, are both American and have called London home since 2018 and welcomed their son at the end of 2020. In his free time Drake enjoys cooking, spending time with friends and family, going to the cinema, and staying active.

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