Minimize Defensiveness, Maximize Problem-Solving

ONE SIMPLE QUESTION...

Let me take you on a trip down memory lane to a moment well over a decade ago when I stumbled upon a game-changer for my leadership journey.?

It wasn't a high-tech gadget or a complex strategy—it was a humble question that wielded immense power in steering conversations towards positivity and progress.

Picture this: you're in the trenches of leadership, facing a situation where things aren't quite hitting the mark. Maybe a department head is struggling to meet annual goals, or you're noticing a hiccup in nursing care standards during patient rounds.?

In these pivotal moments, the question that became my secret weapon was:

"What’s getting in your way of . . . ?"

This little gem wasn't just any question—it was a magic wand that turned potential roadblocks into pathways for growth.?

Unlike the old-school "Why" questions that often triggered defensiveness and dead-end conversations, this new approach sparked a wave of collaboration and problem-solving.

Back in the day, I'd ask those "Why" questions like, "Why haven’t your patients been educated on their new medications?" or "Why isn’t your department making progress toward meeting your goals?"?

But let me tell you, those questions were like poking a hornet's nest—defensive vibes all around!

But when I switched gears to "What’s getting in your way of…", everything changed. Suddenly, we were talking solutions, not pointing fingers.?

Take, for instance, the leader whose goals were slipping away. By asking this question, I got the lowdown on their daily grind, and we uncovered ways to clear the clutter and focus on what truly mattered.

Or how about the nurse whose care wasn't quite hitting the mark? With this question, we unearthed quick fixes that made a world of difference for our patients - and the nurse’s confidence in the care provided.

But here's the kicker: these chats weren't just about fixing stuff; they were about building bridges.?

Every conversation was a chance to strengthen bonds and keep the positivity flowing.

And let me drop a truth bomb about communication: face-to-face is where the magic happens. Every chat, every nod, every smile—it all adds up to a culture of trust and teamwork.

So, let's make every conversation count. By framing our questions with a sprinkle of positivity and a dash of solution-seeking.

Best,

Sue Tetzlaff - Culture and Execution Catalyst

TRUST, TEAMWORK & TIME

You’re not going to want to miss it! And you’re going to want to bring your entire executive team!

Capstone’s 12th annual Healthcare Executive Forum is happening on June 12-13 on historic Mackinac Island in beautiful northern Michigan!

Each year’s Forum agenda changes based on what executives want and need to ignite a ripple effect of improvement, progress, and results.?

And this year, the Forum’s focus is all about maximizing organizational momentum by maximizing trust, teamwork and time.

This isn't just another conference—it's a transformative experience designed for healthcare executives and executive teams who demand more than just theory.?

This Forum is for healthcare executives who don’t just want to think differently, but to do things differently . . . to unleash momentum and achieve better (and faster!) results.

Join us this year to find out why executives, and entire teams of them, return year-after-year for this event.

Here is the link to register <<<?

Registration ends May 20th. Don’t delay.