Today, in two different practices with two very different teams, the melody line was exactly the same. Both practices centered around strong teammates telling their leader some tough truth. Both attempts were “swing, and a miss.” Both attempts featured punches that were pulled instead of thrown. Normal.
Leaders rarely are hit by those under their employ. And, most leaders tell me and their team to hit them, challenge them, let them “have it,” so to speak. Most leaders want this kinda feedback until they get it.
Today, both leaders practiced triple d as if by reflex. They have mastered this. Both defended their position, denied their need for change, and destroyed the argument against them. They won and, really, they lost.
If you want better arguments, better ideas, and better teammates, ask better questions when one of your team tries to hit you with something hard. Ask them to “tell you more.” A simple habit that invites them to keep going. Practice this if you’re a leader.
Feedback is the breakfast of champions and most CEO’s haven’t tasted the real stuff for years. Don’t wait for one of your strong teammates to get the courage to hit you. Go out and stir it up. Make yourself vulnerable. Ask for it. Piss ’em off on purpose. Have a beer with them. Wander around and simply be with them where the “boots are on the ground,” so to speak. Ask them curious questions over and over and over again. Master this. Tune in like an animal being stalked. Master this. STOP the triple d killer of defend, deny, and destroy.
Leaders cannot survive without tough truth making its way up to them. The problem is that most think they’re getting it. Feedback is the breakfast of champions. Go get some, my friend. Go get some. STOP waiting for somebody to pour you a bowl. Remember, they would like to but they are too scared. Accept this FACT and go get some…
BUILT TO LEAD 