The most popular post on this site is The 7 Secrets of Highly Effective Leadership Communication. Secret #3 is Less Telling, More Asking. Allow me to briefly demystify this secret. While it may seem like a simple concept, implementing this change in style takes more dedication and practice than most are willing to invest.
Effective leaders know the importance of transferring ownership of their ideas from themselves to their followers. In the words of Dwight Eisenhower:
“Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.“
When you tell, the listener can easily filter out your message. When you ask, the listener needs to process your thoughts to form their response.
This technique for idea ownership transfer might be revolutionary for those who have not successfully used it. And it can potentially revolutionize your leadership effectiveness. But it’s not exactly new. It’s known as the Socratic method as it dates back to ancient Greece.
This ancient yet incredibly powerful approach requires developing both a skill set and a mindset that is contrary to most everything we’ve learned and practiced for a lifetime. So the Socratic approach is only practiced by an elite number of leaders with the dedication to develop the necessary skills.
That’s up to you. For those inclined to start practicing, here is a before-and-after list of attributes from the book Power Questions by Andrew Sobel and Jerold Panas. It’s a 2012 book. So, if you’re seeking new approach to this ancient material, this book qualifies. And it contains scores of really powerful questions you can utilize to lead the thoughts of others.
Instead of… | You Should |
Telling | Ask thought provoking questions |
Being the Expert | Invite others to contribute expertise |
Controlling Knowledge | Help draw out others’ experiences and perspectives |
Assuming meaning | Ask about the meanings of words |
Mandating solutions | Solicit solutions from others |
Showing how smart you are | Show others how smart they are |
Analyzing | Synthesize and look at the big picture |
Why not now? What have I done with the headings in this post? Notice anything useful? Why not get start by practicing with your writing? When you really need to transfer the ownership of an important idea, how can you learn new ways to ask instead of tell?
Tom Lemanski helps accomplished leaders unlock potential, solve complex challenges, and amplify their impact.
Effective leadership is the key to driving meaningful, lasting success in a fast-changing world.
Tom’s focus on innovative strategies and self-awareness creates transformative results for leaders striving for the next level.
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