Prospecting Playbook 1.7

[PHOTO:  …the flag of the American colonies first flown in January 1776.  The rattlesnake had become a symbol of the colonies as the colonies were the only place in the world where the deadly rattlesnake was found.  The advised course of action when dealing with either, was to leave them alone.  The flag is still flown on the Jack Staff of all U.S. Navy ships during a time of conflict.]

2 Questions With Which to Thrive

 

Consider adding these two questions to your leadership file:

Could someone please share one or two suggestions that might make this better?

This re-phrasing increases the feedback provided.  This is a more specific question than the generic asking for feedback.  It is the asking for a small, specific thing, rather than the broad, undefined thing.

Can someone please present an alternative position?

This question is particularly helpful and useful when an agreement is reached; and especially helpful when an agreement is reached too quickly.  When everyone agrees, someone is either not thinking or not willing to be the outlier.  This question gives permission for another line of thinking.

Agreement can be a problem.  We can drown in agreement.  When we all agree, something is wrong.  When we all agree that our current course is perfect, we’re headed for disaster.  Even though we may not change course, for there is still value in loyalty, consistency and tradition.  But at the very least, we can and will hear an alternative.  Certainly the market conditions are not the same now as they were then, or as they will be very soon.

Mostly today, it’s all grey.  There is no black or white anymore.  There are too many choices.  Unanimous agreement or disagreement is impossible.  Even when the vote is unanimous, guaranteed, there are votes cast due to apathy or pressure. 

 

When we do not encourage and applaud the diverse and the innovative, when we dismiss, and worse degrade, these ideas, we stifle thought, creativity and freedom.  We create a culture of blind servitude, disengaged members and low morale. 

Business moves very fast today.  Just when we think we have agreed or arrived at an objective or a milestone, something changes.  Celebrating is fine well and good and achievements should be applauded and recognized, but, there is always another game on the schedule or voice in the market.

That which we used to do does not work so well today.  Today there are new applications, ideas, concepts and resources being introduced every day.  They may not all be helpful and applicable to you and yours, but one or some of them are.  And if attention is not being paid, these huge differences may not only pass you by, but be caught by that new voice in your market.

There is valid operational value to asking these questions.  Great information and perspective can be acquired … BUT only if the answers are welcomed and appreciated, all the time; even when they are useless.  This is an attitude and consistent response that sets the tone and defines a culture of diversity and innovation.  

The foundational ingredients to this culture are curiosity and courtesy.  The more we ask and the more we appreciate the answers, the more current and competitive we can be.

Right?
Could someone please provide and alternative approach?
Thanks, I needed that.

 

Charlotte, NC