Why these are four of the most important words in business.
When you’re in a leadership role and expected to be decisive and firm it can sometimes narrow your thinking. And the natural instinct is to assert your authority and maintain it.
Control tactics and narrowed thinking can also occur in teams and organizations: “We’re the smartest guys in the room. We know best. Sit down and shut up.”
We all bring preconceived notions and biased opinions that can color our view of the world. Sometimes we just don’t know what we don’t know which can be very dangerous.
This is why one of the most powerful questions that leaders (or anyone) can ask is “What do you think?” This simple four-word question sets the right tone in almost any situation.
Be careful with the delivery of this phrase because there is a difference in sounding unsure or nervous, and sounding genuinely interested in a calm, healthy dialogue and debate.
When used at the right time and place, this little question of “What do you think?” says a lot:
- You have enough humility to know you don’t have all the answers.
- You show respect and concern for other ideas and input.
- You maintain an interrogatory tone which leads to more successful outcomes.
- You create buy-in and participation that drives more effort.
- You build a collegial environment where relationships and recognition matter.
Try to use “What do you think?” every day. Put it on your whiteboard, use it in presentations, make it part of your culture and your internal and external consulting. You’ll be amazed and surprised at the responses you get and the progress you make.
Have a great week.
P.S. Stop fretting about what to say and what to write. Simplify your marketing and sales tools. Make your customers and clients the centerpiece of your marketing. If you need help with your customer case studies and success stories, get in touch with us. We can set up a friendly phone call to discuss the possibilities. And feel free to share this note with others. If you’re not already on our list, please join us! You can sign up here.
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