I have long been a proponent of always starting with yes as a leader. That doesn’t mean ending with yes, necessarily. This way, people are encouraged to bring ideas and innovations to the leader without fear of being shot down. Then the leader and team collaborate on next steps—including concluding not to proceed.
As a child, I watched lots of military (action) movies and was perplexed by one thing: how one soldier would go rogue, disobey the higher-ups, and carry out a mission he was warned of. I feel that it captures this spirit among the same higher-ups. It has bred an attitude I use in my work and facets of my life, accept but do the opposite. We receive many instructions in our everyday life, including the "urgent" and "orders from above" types. It is impossible to act on all but an action might still be required. Common sense often prevails, as well as patience, rather than wasting energy arguing against the instruction. As a leader, it helps to know that there is a lot of knowledge and experience from those around me. How about just asking for their thoughts? It might be a horses-for-courses approach each time, but it pays to look before you leap. A leader without anyone behind him is merely strolling.
I have long been a proponent of always starting with yes as a leader. That doesn’t mean ending with yes, necessarily. This way, people are encouraged to bring ideas and innovations to the leader without fear of being shot down. Then the leader and team collaborate on next steps—including concluding not to proceed.
Thought provoking article.
I’m afraid I don’t get the everything bagel reference. Is this a phrase that’s used when someone puts everything in the fridge on a bagel…?
As a child, I watched lots of military (action) movies and was perplexed by one thing: how one soldier would go rogue, disobey the higher-ups, and carry out a mission he was warned of. I feel that it captures this spirit among the same higher-ups. It has bred an attitude I use in my work and facets of my life, accept but do the opposite. We receive many instructions in our everyday life, including the "urgent" and "orders from above" types. It is impossible to act on all but an action might still be required. Common sense often prevails, as well as patience, rather than wasting energy arguing against the instruction. As a leader, it helps to know that there is a lot of knowledge and experience from those around me. How about just asking for their thoughts? It might be a horses-for-courses approach each time, but it pays to look before you leap. A leader without anyone behind him is merely strolling.