A Simple Tweak to Make You a More Effective Leader Right Now

Hi everyone, 

We hope everyone is safely enjoying spring! This week at Leadology, we’re thinking about how often the most daring leaders commit to the power of learning, rather than knowing. 

THE LANGUAGE OF LEADERSHIP 

"In times of change, learners inherit the Earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists." - Eric Hoffer

Why is this idea so important?

During a leadership meeting I recently attended, a major change was announced that impacted the entire global organization and changed the way it worked. The leader presented the goals of the initiative, then paused and said:

“Don’t assume we’ve thought of everything. This is new for all of us.”

He encouraged everyone to share ideas, observations, and suggestions so they could gather meaningful insights about what was working—and what wasn’t.

This is a great example of how to embrace learning, openness, and flexibility.

We tend to think knowing all the answers is like armor that will protect us, but this attitude often hinders progress. 

When we “know” something, we think it’s a fact that can’t be changed. The truth is, the world evolves by the second, so nobody knows anything for sure. Stop trying to be the knower. 

Commit to being a learner and a daring leader.

In times of uncertainty, leaders who try to be “knowers” can seem both controlling and complacent. Not only will committing to being a learner help you lead, your team will follow your example, and you will all be able to rise to the challenge of this time discovering new solutions together.

So how do you encourage a learning mindset in others?

Dr. Brené Brown suggests three strategies in her post The Courage Not to Know.

Step One: Name the issue.

Be clear in your expectations, even if it’s hard. If a teammate needs to focus on critical-thinking skills, or question-asking rather than question-answering, let them know. And remind them you can work on this together.

Step Two: Prioritize “curiosity skills.”

Curiosity doesn’t come naturally to everyone, so don’t assume that someone who doesn’t seem curious doesn’t care. Help them explore and develop this skill set.

Step 3: Focus on getting it right, rather than being right.

Acknowledge and reward great questions and divergent thinking. When teammates use phrases like “I don’t know, but I’d like to find out,” they’re demonstrating daring leadership behavior. 

Another tactic that encourages a learner mindset? “Paint done” conversations.

THE WEEKLY FLOURISH

Article (5 Minutes)

This Simple Tweak to a Standard Request Will Make You a More Effective Leader

What does it mean to be “done” or “finished”? It shouldn’t be a line in the sand. Dr. Brown says, ““Painting done means not just assigning a task, but explaining the reason—clarifying how the end product will be used. Provide the color, context, connective tissue, costs, consequences of the work they are being asked to do.”

Everything that affects the outcome of a project should be discussed at the outset, and there should be a clear idea of what the end product should look like. But it’s not a one-sided conversation. Those assigned the project should raise any questions or concerns that might not have occurred to others—this makes the direction stronger and the result more successful.

GREATNESS TAKES GUIDANCE

Coffee With Carrie (May 21 at 3:00p.m.)

I’ll be hosting my third Coffee With Carrie on May 21 at 3p.m. In case you missed the first two, these free leadership coaching / courage-sparking /  let-off-some-steam sessions are dedicated to helping you and your team feel more inspired right now.

This week, I’ll be joined by Nicole Cichocki from Truth, Beauty, and Goodness who will be chatting with us about growth mindset and wellness as essential building blocks of a resilient culture. You can find the Zoom link for this Thursday’s session, here. 

As always, feel free to reach out with any questions: carrie@getleadology.com. I love hearing from you! 

Wishing you health, courage, and a focus on getting it right, rather than being right.

- Carrie and Team Leadology