Here is a very, very simple way to strengthen your position as a leader: When you ask a question of your team, don’t begin answering your own question! Just be quiet and let the person or persons respond. Yep, it is that simple.
Why is this worth writing about? I have seen too many examples of the following scenario: Leader asks:
“What is everyone’s thought about <insert topic>?”
(leader pauses to take a quick breath and then…)
Leader continues: “Well here is what I think…….”
And so with that quick breath and those six simple words, the leader has undermined his/her position as a leader in the mind of the team members. How? By speaking instead of listening. Without saying the following out loud, the leader implied:
- My opinion is more important than yours, so I get to go first.
- You can speak after I do because while I am acting interested in what you have to say, I am not really interested. I have already made up my mind.
- Nobody better have a different opinion that I do, so I will go first to influence the entire discussion.
- I am the boss. You are not.
And so, unintentionally and without knowing it, the leader has weakened him/herself in the eyes of the team.
Leaders, your team members/subordinates want you to ask for their input, and they want to be given the opportunity to respond. Do this, and they will respect your leadership.
Don’t believe this is all that important?
Remember the last time your boss asked for and acknowledged your input? Pretty good feeling, huh?