Start With Questions Not Rejections

Leading leaders is not as easy as it sounds!

I’ve been blessed to have worked with leaders from around the world who lead many other leaders — from leaders of countries and universities to leaders of programs, many leading?teams of leaders leading teams.

I’ve learned that those who do the best start with questions when they are being asked to do something, or when a new idea is being proposed.

Those who usually start with the rejection of any idea put to them generally don’t last long, nor can they lead others for very long.

One of the key insights I’ve gained over the last 30-some years is that leading leaders starts with questions about what the requestor is saying — clarification of the idea. Rather than saying, not my job, or we don’t have time for it, or anything along those lines, start with OK, no problem, let me figure out how I can make that work. Then, ask more questions.

Saying Let me see if I can make it work is a much better approach to surviving in a leadership role in the environment that requires leaders to work with leaders.

BEFORE YOU GO

We see our blogs as opportunities for dialogue. Please share your thoughts as comments.

1. What questions can you ask before you simply reject an idea or request from another leader within your organization?
2. How can you ensure you will get the information you need to make an informed decision?
3. What key things have you done to keep leaders engaged with your conversations?

Faris Alami is Founder and CEO of International Strategic Management, Inc. (ISM). He works internationally, presenting Exploring Entrepreneurship Workshops and other entrepreneurial ecosystem — related ventures.