Ask your leaders: “How do you prefer to be communicated with? How often?
We believe that great leaders ask great questions. Use this question with your leaders to understand their communication style better. You may find that you can reduce an area of frustration for your leaders with a simple change of behavior. Or, you may find that a small change, can create a significant response. Don’t simply stop with their answer. Probe into the “why” behind their response. They will sense your sincerity about asking and you will engage more deeply with your leaders. Feel free to narrow the parameters of this question by naming a specific type of information. For example, “How do you prefer to be communicated with about our executive meetings?” or “finances?” As you become more specific, you will receive more tangible data.
More thoughts on this topic:
Communication is possibly the number one factor that influences team effectiveness. Leaders should be heavily focused on initiating and encouraging great communication. This is one of the reasons that we encourage you to use questions. While giving a direct statement or instruction is expedient communication, asking a question encourages exponential levels of engagement from your leaders.
Read more about how to use questions at: “The Power of a Question” by Dr. Jay Raines.
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