Leaders who are self-absorbed or self-important commonly fail to consider the impact of their behaviors and choices on others. Chief among the issues that display respect or disrespect is how leaders treat other people’s time. When leaders are inconsiderate about the time needs of others, they quickly lose the respect and credibility from which to build strong relationships.
For me this manifests itself in the questions senior leaders ask.
Questions from a higher level can be a blessing and a curse.
So for example, we are taught to ask good questions. But if you’re a senior leader you may ask a question but the answer could take 2 days of someone’s time to answer.
And if that question was just something you asked because you wanted to show you where listening then it’s a total waste of that persons time if the answer isn’t really important or relevant.
These are great examples. Thanks for sharing. I think I'll use this post as an agenda item for my upcoming Training All-up. I'd add scheduling meetings - look at the other person's calendar - have they been in back-to-back meetings all morning - maybe schedule something for the afternoon so they can have a break, and sending emails - be brief and to the point. Don't make people read your 'manifesto' to find out what you want from them.
Respecting Other People’s Time
For me this manifests itself in the questions senior leaders ask.
Questions from a higher level can be a blessing and a curse.
So for example, we are taught to ask good questions. But if you’re a senior leader you may ask a question but the answer could take 2 days of someone’s time to answer.
And if that question was just something you asked because you wanted to show you where listening then it’s a total waste of that persons time if the answer isn’t really important or relevant.
These are great examples. Thanks for sharing. I think I'll use this post as an agenda item for my upcoming Training All-up. I'd add scheduling meetings - look at the other person's calendar - have they been in back-to-back meetings all morning - maybe schedule something for the afternoon so they can have a break, and sending emails - be brief and to the point. Don't make people read your 'manifesto' to find out what you want from them.
"We don’t fully trust leaders who disrespect us, even when this contempt is unintentional or as a result of disorganization."
Huge insight - and not just true of leaders.
It's true of anyone we interact with.
It is absolutely amplified in leaders.