Completely different issue if a leader is acting as if they do.
Thanks, Brandon.
It is nice to have a few well-worded questions ready to go. Curiosity is a wonderful trait, but you might find that a specific behavior could be handy to have it well-practiced.
A great question to ask. It doesn't come across as accusatory, but inquisitive. To build upon the concept of getting people involved, is timing. I apologize for not remembering where I read this, but the idea of the boss asking for "input" is overshadowed, if the "leader" tells their subordinates what they think first.
If the leader lays out the situation, then asks, "What do you think?," without giving their input, the people they lead who may be thinking something different than the leader, could feel more open to provide the invited input. How many people in a staff meeting want to publicly counter what the "boss" has just suggested? I believe the timing issue aligns with the old saying about great ideas dying on the vine.
I would really enjoy the thoughts of others how this process should end. The leader laid out the situation, asked the great question then...
If a leader has a reputation for playing the "Guess What I'm Thinking" game, then that leader might be blissfully unaware that they get nothing but hedged answers... for the very reason you're talking about, Steve.
In this case a leader has a lot of work to do to prove that they don't want to play that game any more. Perhaps starting several of these questions in a row bluntly reminding people that they don't want to play that game any more. :)
Agreed completely, with the caveat of the questioner being authentic about the process rather than checking a box. In the latter case, it can quickly erode trust.
How blessed and how lucky we are as Australians to have a Prime Minister who always seeks the opinions of others, asking them what they think before rushing to any decision.
Our prime minister unlike many others who have no discretion and take a little time in making decisions – which therefore are often wrong – always thoroughly researches all propositions. It is on this basis that the decisions made consider positions raised by others.
“What do you think“, is a practised approach to leadership practised by our prime minister.
More important than the question is the curiosity. Leaders who are genuinely curious about their teammates’ perspectives will ask the best questions.
That curiosity comes from a place of humility and understanding that the leader couldn’t possibly have all the answers. And teammates know that.
-Jenks
Yes.
Completely different issue if a leader is acting as if they do.
Thanks, Brandon.
It is nice to have a few well-worded questions ready to go. Curiosity is a wonderful trait, but you might find that a specific behavior could be handy to have it well-practiced.
A great question to ask. It doesn't come across as accusatory, but inquisitive. To build upon the concept of getting people involved, is timing. I apologize for not remembering where I read this, but the idea of the boss asking for "input" is overshadowed, if the "leader" tells their subordinates what they think first.
If the leader lays out the situation, then asks, "What do you think?," without giving their input, the people they lead who may be thinking something different than the leader, could feel more open to provide the invited input. How many people in a staff meeting want to publicly counter what the "boss" has just suggested? I believe the timing issue aligns with the old saying about great ideas dying on the vine.
I would really enjoy the thoughts of others how this process should end. The leader laid out the situation, asked the great question then...
Thanks for the morning brain warmup.
Be safe.
If a leader has a reputation for playing the "Guess What I'm Thinking" game, then that leader might be blissfully unaware that they get nothing but hedged answers... for the very reason you're talking about, Steve.
In this case a leader has a lot of work to do to prove that they don't want to play that game any more. Perhaps starting several of these questions in a row bluntly reminding people that they don't want to play that game any more. :)
Thanks, Steve, for your question.
It was included and made our daily conversation better.
https://admiredleadership.substack.com/p/lead-better-if-a-leader-had-only
Agreed completely, with the caveat of the questioner being authentic about the process rather than checking a box. In the latter case, it can quickly erode trust.
Of course.
Authenticity is a prerequisite. Don't do anything as a hack or a technique.
Thanks, Will.
This beautifully embodies what I call the 'Gardener Mindset' of leadership, cultivating environments of trust, humility, and empowerment.
How blessed and how lucky we are as Australians to have a Prime Minister who always seeks the opinions of others, asking them what they think before rushing to any decision.
Our prime minister unlike many others who have no discretion and take a little time in making decisions – which therefore are often wrong – always thoroughly researches all propositions. It is on this basis that the decisions made consider positions raised by others.
“What do you think“, is a practised approach to leadership practised by our prime minister.