Start by asking questions.
We have a diminishing ability to ask questions. As we engage in less dialogue with our teams, whether virtually or in-person, our collective critical thinking skills are taking a big hit. Asking the right questions is the best place to start addressing this, and it is the best way to generate simple solutions as a team. These solutions are simple to understand, simple to execute, and they actually have a chance to work. With this in mind, here are a few tips to help you frame your questions correctly:
Start with a question that is clear, concise, and specific. It should be devoid of emotion or accusations.
Encourage definitions. Do not hesitate to ask people in a meeting to define what they are talking about. Asking these types of questions improves overall alignment, and it is a sign of good leadership.
Probe assumptions without attacking a person. Avoid asking generic questions, such as “why do you think that _______.” This will not get you anywhere. Instead, ask them to explain things using “if_____ then _____.” This will keep things focused on cause-and-effect, and avoid the personal emotions that emerge when a person feels unjustly accused of something. Feelings matter!