Leadership Secret - 30 seconds to empower your team

Silence is Golden, Yet for so many it's so painful!

So how can 30 seconds of silence empower your team?

I asked a team to be silent for 30 seconds to think before they discussed their thoughts in pairs at a workshop the other day.? OMG, it was hard for them - half the room you could see thinking how will l get through this, the other half resorting to other means of nonverbal communication.

Ok, there is a bias - elephant in the room - ask someone not to do something and you’ve planted the thought and then told them no!!!? It’s hard not to think of a pink pony, if l say don’t think of a pink pony!

Talking is also a natural and essential part of their jobs so it’s not all bad!

However, if we are always talking - when do we think? - when do we listen?? & as leaders when do we allow others to think for themselves and openly share without interruption?

Leaders challenge:

If you are quick (& many great leaders like you are) are you giving your team members, new managers & developing leaders time to think?

30 seconds seems like 5 minutes to some (l know l asked the group l referenced earlier).

Staying silent for 30 seconds might be your hardest challenge this week!? (I know in the context of the complex challenges you negotiate every day on one level that sounds crazy)

I know what you are thinking - l do this all the time already or that’s easy!

For the former, you are either right or double-check with your team to see if they are getting the needed space!

For the latter - Yes of course it is - l know you could hold your breath for longer as a one-off!? How do you make it a common habit that enables others?

& remember ownership is an important aspect of motivation.

You know the theory

Stopping to reflect on how our common unconscious behaviour impacts others is often the big win!? When coupled with action or inaction of course.? ?

Go for it with this leadership performance tip.

James

Founder of Alt P

Get in touch with us at our website www.altp.co.uk

Alt P, short for Alternatives Perspectives are an independent Training & development business here to unlock the full potential of leaders and their teams

Serving SMEs as Fractional Learning & Development Lead and or Facilitator:

- Strategic development with Business Owners

- Workshop facilitation & team building for Leaders and Managers

- Leadership 1:1's to support Executives / Senior Leadership & the Team's growth

Certified DISC Practitioner with a full suite of Assessments to support individuals and teams.