Are you demonstrating wisdom?
Hope you had a great re-charge through the Easter Long Weekend. To those of you celebrating Easter – I hope it was a great time for you.
I came across an interesting reading the other day that is relevant for everyone, particularly those who LEAD…
“ A wise person….does not interrupt his fellow’s words, he does not rush to answer…”
As you know, I am a massive advocate for Liz Wiseman’s Multiplier methodology, where Multiplier Leaders make people smarter, rather than diminish them (accidentally) like the vast majority of leaders do.
This quote is right in sync with Liz’s Multiplier methodology. In consideration of your own leadership approach, please consider the following
1. When in a team meeting, or 1 on 1 with one of your managers, how often are you interrupting what someone else is saying?
NOTE: Interrupting doesn’t just mean interjecting verbally. It also means, suspending your attention to what is being said by someone else, and instead developing or processing what you would like to say in response, and eagerly awaiting a chance to jump in.
2. When someone in your business or someone you do business with says something, how quick are you to answer?
As opposed to…seeking to understand what exactly people are saying, where they’re coming from, what sits behind the words they’re using. In the client Leadership Team sessions I am involved in, too often people will make statements or remarks, and are seeking their views/perspectives to be heard and acknowledged, but may NOT want an answer. Too often we as leaders jump into solution mode. Instead, it’s good practice to ask the other person something like this “what is that you’re after from me/us?” For example, are they:
simply trying to provide guidance or awareness on a particular matter (like an FYI)?
highlighting a troubling issue for which they are seeking your understanding and empathy? or
wanting you to help find a solution?
There is no question that you are all smart. The question is… ARE YOU DEMONSTRATING WISDOM?
Share this with your team. Get some feedback about your leadership approach with them. Ask them to reflect on their leadership approach in the context of the points above. And discuss as a team.
Please let me know how you go.
And here’s another quote from one of my mentors… “there’s no point having a dog if you do all the barking!” 😊
Grow well!!
Adam