21 Leadership Questions #21
Do you really listen? Can you withhold judgment until all the facts are in?
Is your conduct measured and controlled?
Do you really listen for concepts and solutions?
This also means for YOU to stop talking, for YOU to be silent.
To draw your people out, ask questions. To encourage others to talk, yield the floor to them.
Everybody must know that you value his or her opinions. They must know that you are fair and open to reason. They must know that you conduct yourself with discipline, precision and restraint before you act. They must know that when you do act it is from a factual position.
Your people will talk to you because they know that you verify and confirm facts before moving to action. Phrases like: “I think,” I believe so,” I was told,” “He said,” “I’m not sure but,” and other similar phrases must be verified before action is taken.
Your subordinates must know that you do not listen to gossip, rumor or innuendo. You must show them by your conduct that you are patient and moderate in your response to information.
False moves based on inadequate facts or faulty information is costly to repair in terms of time, effort and subordinate good will.
Finally…being out of control, angry, foolish, sophomoric, or quick to judge…is a sure fire recipe for failure.
Certainly not the behavior or the type of leader you aspire to be.
Best of luck and remember,
Leadership starts at the top with you.

