4. Conversation

“No one tells me the truth anymore,” said the Stag.

“You don’t need their truth,” said the Rat. “You need their output.”

“What did they used to tell you?” said the Wren.

“What they actually thought. What wasn’t working. What I needed to hear.”

“And now?” said the Wren.

“Now they tell me what I want to hear. Or they say nothing.”

“That’s respect,” said the Rat. “You’ve earned it.”

“What did it cost?” said the Wren.

“I don’t know. They just stopped pushing back.”

“When?” said the Wren.

The Stag paused.

“I don’t know. It was gradual. One day I realised every meeting sounded the same.”

“That’s why you don’t need the conversation,” said the Rat. “No conflict. No wasted time.”

“What happens in those meetings?” said the Wren.

“I lay out the problem. I share my thinking. I ask if anyone has questions.”

“And?” said the Wren.

“They nod.”

“What have you left them to say?” said the Wren.

The Stag said nothing.

“He’s giving them clarity,” said the Rat. “That’s his job.”

“How long do you speak before someone else does?” said the Wren.

“I don’t know.”

“And if you did know?” said the Wren.

“Longer than I should.”

“And when you ask if anyone has questions — do you already know the answer you want?” said the Wren.

“Yes.”

“Do they know that?” said the Wren.

“Yes.”

“So what are you actually asking them?” said the Wren.

The Stag went quiet.

“To agree with me.”

“He’s being decisive,” said the Rat. “Someone has to lead.”

“What would happen if you didn’t have the answer?” said the Wren.

“They’d think I was weak.”

“Is that true?” said the Wren.

“I don’t know. I’ve never tried.”

“What would you be if you weren’t the one with the answer?” said the Wren.

“I don’t know.”

“What would they be?” said the Wren.

Silence.

“Honest,” said the Stag.

The River was curious.

If you recognised something in this dialogue, you're not alone.

For leaders Some men travel to Prague to walk by the Vltava River for a day. No agenda. No framework. Just space to hear which voice is speaking. [Walk With Me →]

For organisations Presence Under Pressure is a workshop for senior leadership teams operating under sustained responsibility. Same four voices. Same eight conditions. Delivered inside your organisation. [Enquire →]