After walking out of one of my team meetings, one of my veterans caught up with me.
Employee: Hey, can I ask you something?
Me: Of course…
Employee: You mentioned “xxxxxx” and I really don’t think that’s fair considering how long some of us have worked here.
Me: Huh? When did you hear me say that?
Employee: A few months ago, during a company meeting…
Me: Seriously? You really thought I said that? Why didn’t you come ask me about it?
Employee: I am, right now…
Truth is, she heard the opposite of what I said. I know, because I must have said it hundreds of time. The problem was, she wasn’t the only one who didn’t hear what I wanted. Apparently, the buzz caught fire and lingered around my office for months, with me being the last to find out about it.
I have a tendency to brainstorm out loud. Many people on my team had a tendency to take everything I said literally—a recipe for disaster.
Leaders are connectors. Unfortunately, most of us miss mark with the connection piece because we assume too much. Here are a few disciplines to help close the gap:
- Play it back: After sharing something important, ask someone to play back what they heard. Don’t be surprised or frustrated when they get it wrong. Be grateful that you get to clarify…
- Document it: Ask someone to take notes during the meeting so you can share important details or changes in writing afterwards. Many people need to see things in writing, so follow up and give everyone a chance to process what they heard.
- End with Curious Questions: Give everyone a chance to ask a few questions before you close the meeting. Give them free rein to ask anything they want.
And last, click below to learn about how to avoid getting caught in the trap silently killing leaders and their cultures…
BUILT TO LEAD 