Facts or Feelings? The difference matters.
Let's get right to it. What is your logic style, meaning how do you generally make decisions - through facts, feelings or a mix of both? I've always said that self-awareness is one of the most important parts of leadership - know yourself before you lead others. This includes knowing how you typically make decisions or what your logic style is. Which of these statements sounds better to you?
"Boss, you should decide on course of action 'A' because I feel like this is the one which will gain us the most. I've seen this before and 'A' sounds more like the direction you would head in this area."
"Boss, there is a 30% chance of failure with this course of action but I assess it is the best option. Here are three facts backing my assessment."
Before we proceed it is important to understand your environment. For instance, if you are a leader among a group of new people in a new organization, you'll swing more toward facts than feelings. If you are surrounded by trusted individuals, you'll be more on the feelings side of the spectrum.
If you are a 'feelings' decision-maker, you'll pick the first statement, relying on your gut to guide you. It will 'feel' right or wrong. As a 'feelings' decision maker, you'll look to be inspired and you'll seek language which is familiar to you. You'll seek interpersonal interaction and input when deciding and you'll rely on intuition more.
If you are a 'facts' decision-maker, data is important. You'll pick the second statement. You'll want to see the 'numbers' supporting a recommended course of action. Relationships are always important but in this case, information and data are primary. You'll want to analyze risk and rely on tools like the SWOT assessment.
Again, it is important to know what your starting point is. I use the Forté Institute’s® Communication Intelligence Lifetime Survey and Assessment to help me determine a leader's logic style: Facts, Facts-Feelings, Feelings, or Intuitive Feelings. Call on my team to administer this survey to you and your leaders.
Personally, I land on more on the right side or 'feelings' side of the spectrum. I place a lot of trust in people. I do this pretty quickly in a relationship but I can and I have been burned. Knowing myself in this fashion, I'll always keep my 'facts' radar on. I'll ask, "how did you come to that conclusion?" or "show me some data to support your recommendation." I balance facts and feelings to make the best decision I can make. I'll also understand my environment - i.e. how high are the stakes, how well do I know the people and what experience do I have here?
There is more to this, such as emotions, but I'll leave it here and ask you to engage in some introspection and think about where, you land. Which of the above statements resonates with you and why? How do you describe your environment and what does it mean for your logic style? The answers to these questions matter.
Make it Personal!
Rob
Rob Campbell