Why the question...?
Why indeed. Most leaders in today's fast-paced, overloaded workplace juggle a myriad of tasks, manage a wide portfolio and tackle frequent and complex problems. If you are anything like me, thoughts race through your head constantly. You wonder if your people know exactly what needs to be done and are working on the right things. We need constant confirmation as leaders and we get it by asking questions.
Questions might seem routine and harmless to us but they can be perceived differently to those we lead.
"Jane, you do know last quarter's financials need to be included in the briefing right?"
"Sean, what are you working on today?"
"Mark, did you remember to...?"
"Kelly, why did you say that in the meeting?"
People on the receiving end of these questions might question your trust in them. Your questions may even offend or insult their intelligence. There is a better way. Tell them why you are asking.
Backing up just a bit, it is important that you have established a solid foundation of trust; that you have created a challenging yet supportive workplace, and that you set the right tone as a leader. This takes time and it ought to be your priority in the early days of leading. If you get this part right, you will gain maneuver space to engage in difficult conversations and ask questions.
Additionally you can set the stage or create expectations for your questions by asking for periodic updates, telling your people you will be asking lots of questions to fill in your information gaps and prepare you to engage with senior leaders. You can even state, "please, when I come asking lots of questions, do not interpret this as I do not trust you." Try this.
"Jane, you do know last quarter's financials need to be included in the briefing right? I ask because I want to set you up for success and I'm not sure I made that clear when I tasked you with this."
"Sean, what are you working on today? I'm asking because I want to understand your part of the bigger mission."
"Mark, I trust you brother, but I have to ask, did you remember to...?"
"Kelly, are you ok? You do not seem like yourself. That statement you made in the meeting, what was your intent behind it?"
You are a leader and it is your duty to ask questions. Let them fly but tell them why!
Make it Personal!
Rob
Rob Campbell