POP THE BUBBLE!

At two recent speaking events I saw something I have not seen in some time.??The groups were both mixed with many levels of leadership present in the room – including C-level leaders.??The audience response was good, but a little muted, and I could see the personal censoring taking place.??I’ve seen this many times.??People did not feel as comfortable reacting without first looking at those in the room with power to see how they were reacting.??What causes this???The status bubble!

The status bubble is the invisible but very real barrier between you and the people who report to you.??It is deference shown to a leader’s elevated status, a dose of self-censoring due to fear and respect.??As a leader, you could be very kind and highly skilled and open to feedback – but the bubble is still present.??Wherever status differences exist, there is a status bubble.??

Though invisible, its effects are strong.??It makes people filter and censor what they say.??Responses are watered down.??People might agree when they really do not.??They might say nothing when a response is so clearly needed.??

So, how can leaders pop the bubble???Try three things.

First, get feedback from multiple trusted confidants about why your bubble exists.??Do others fear you – why???Do they simply appreciate and respect you so much they don’t wish to offend you???You need to know, so that you can tailor an appropriate response.

Next, be authentic and vulnerable.??The more human you appear to them (not simply confident and competent), the more likely they are to speak up and act like a human around you in return.??That means admitting mistakes, talking about uncertainties, and learning to laugh at yourself.??

Finally, validate those who do speak up.??To speak up in front of a person or persons with a lot more status is a brave act.?That bravery needs to be recognized.??Be simple about it.??Just say, “You’ve got a point.??I haven’t thought about it like that.”??Or, “Interesting.??You could be right.??Tell me more about what you’re thinking.”??The more people see comments validated, the more they will comment too.??????????????

TODD’S TIPS

Stop assuming!??Dear leader, if you think they are happy, or if you feel you know why they have become so quiet, or you just know exactly how they would want to celebrate the next victory – you’re wrong.??At least you’re wrong a lot of the time.??Assumptions get you in trouble.??They are all unique.??What they want, need, and like are not the same things you want, need, or like.??So, it’s time to start checking your assumptions.??Just two or three minutes invested in asking questions to gain their input might change the nature of many of your decisions.??You won’t love and use all of their input, but when they know you’re really listening, no matter the decision you make, they are far more likely to be on board and ready to follow your lead.?

Monsters:??Cool comment from a reader, “I haven't read a book like this in a while...??It's got monsters, storytelling, levity, AND...a real, honest, heartfelt look at fear and leadership. It reads like a tale, not another boring business book.??A fabulous book... Please write more.”??This monster tale is infecting people… grab your copy yet???https://amzn.to/44aA7mt

Speaking:??Just wrapped with a large hospital and a huge chemical company (see posts online) – so fun!??Working on a few more…??Also, be on the lookout for more LIVE sessions from me on LinkedIn to talk about a variety of leadership and career topics, and of course the new book.??

Courses:??How do these strike you as new course topics???Leading with Courage, Excelling in Difficult Interpersonal Situations, Understanding Blind Spots, Creating and Managing Debate at Work… what do you think???About to begin writing…

* One special mention:??my friend Selena Rezvani has a new book coming out in May called Quick Confidence.??I read it – it’s very useful and uplifting.??Tons of career advice about finding your confidence, dealing with difficult people, and many more topics.??You can pre-order now:??https://amzn.to/3oGGptF.??

Until next time – go learn something, maybe help someone, or at least do something interesting!

Get your copy of Dancing with Monsters (on Tuesday!):??https://amzn.to/3tbdUTV

Watch Todd in action:??https://bit.ly/3EfcDSb

Book Todd:??https://bit.ly/3WHeRB0??

All my links in one place:??https://linktr.ee/drdewett.?