EYN#038: The Question That Takes People With You

There's a simple question that can transform how you drive change with your team, drive change with your stakeholders or drive change with your customers. The question?

"What Do You Think?"

A good buddy of mine is a super smart, driven chap. He has an amazing ability to understand a system, think through the levers that affect change, and generate a brilliant plan on how to move forward.

A few years ago he got a new boss. That boss had grand ideas and plans on how to move forward. He didn't need the opinions of others, he needed people to execute his vision.

I remember having a beer with my buddy and he said "I haven't been asked my opinion in months. I didn't understand "What do you think?" was such a powerful and empowering question, until no-one asked it anymore"

It was a crime not to be using his capability.

The whole situation reminded me on "The Servant Leader" book by James A. Autry. He talked about Efficiency vs Effectiveness.

Efficiency

The most efficient way to drive transformation, is to think of a plan and then tell people what to do. It's really quick to do. But it's also the least effective way to do it.

It leads to little buy in, poor engagement and ultimately no change. And if you came up with the plan on your own, it might not be the best plan anyway.

It feels quick and efficient, but it's rarely effective.

Effectiveness

This brings the stakeholders into the decision making process.

By asking "What do you think?" to team members, stakeholders and customers, people feel heard and understood. They have great ideas that help shape the destination. Those that helped shape the destination, are more committed to the journey.

So ask people "What do you think?" and listen to their opinion. Then craft the plan. Communicate that plan and get going.

But there's a gotcha. At some point you must stop talking and get going. Take this too far and nothing ever gets done.

So ask people "What do you think?". Listen. Then take some action.

Hope this helps.

Ben