Leadership is an interactive conversation that pulls people toward becoming comfortable with the language of personal responsibility and commitment.
"Leadership is about allowing others the chance to flourish, and you do that by asking questions," says Gary Cohen in his new book: “Just Ask leadership: Why Great Managers Always Ask the Right Questions”.
Consider; would you rather be asked for your input or told what to do?
Good questions generate thought, focus and action from the listener. They also convey respect. When we tell our team members or co-workers how to do their jobs, we are essentially limiting their options and stifling their initiative. We're not leading.
Yet, to develop and maintain accountable team players or co-workers, you must trust them and they must trust you. As your co-workers demonstrate progress and initiative, provide them with progressively more challenging work and responsibilities.
If you groom leaders at all levels of your business or organisation, work will get done well and on time. Rather than micro-managing, spend your time on guiding and coaching team leaders while asking yourself and them 'tough' questions.
Questions can help us to see ourselves, co-workers and organisations more clearly.
Just Ask Leadership outlines not only specific questions to ask in certain contexts, but also how to implement question-based leadership as a whole. This "how to" book helps the reader learn to build a culture of accountability....which can lead to a leadership brand of personal responsibility and commitment.
With thanks to Coach 2 Coach newsletter, November 10, 2009.
