“I really care what you think.”
Many team leaders say this to their team members.
But how do you show it?
This week I attended the Human Potential Summit in Denver, Colorado. Last night Kerry Siggins took the stage. She’s the CEO of StoneAge, a manufacturer of cutting-edge industrial cleaning technology. She talked about the company’s bold decision to be 100% employee-owned. She handled question after question. But the most memorable answer was not an action she takes, but a question that constantly circulates through the organization:
“What do you think?”
She asks her team, and her team’s team, and everyone in the organization. Early and often.
And she admitted: sometimes it’s no fun, because on occasion the words that come back really sting.
But sometimes they lead to important new ideas.
Other times they reveal critical feedback that leaders need to hear.
And through it all, her employees know that leadership cares what they think. Because they ask.
So find the language to ask your team:
- What do you think?
- What ideas do you have?
- What would you add?
- What do you think we’re missing?
- What do you recommend?
It’s good to tell your team you value their opinion. It’s even better to show them, by asking for what they think and giving them credit when you adopt their ideas.
To improve your own leadership skills, look for upcoming courses from The Questions Company, or schedule a consultation for 1-on-1 coaching.
