One of the most important things
and, for me,
the most challenging things
to do,
when asking for an opinion,
is actually shutting up,
letting the other person speak
and LISTENING
to that opinion.
The knee jerk response
is to explain,
to make excuses,
to try to direct the response.
“On a regular basis,
get in front of the people you lead
and share the issues
you are working on
and thinking about.
First, tell them what you are thinking.
I call this
“putting your cards
on the table.”
Next, ask people
what they think is right, wrong
and/or missing from your thinking.
Let them speak.
Just listen.
Don’t criticize.
Resist the temptation
to be defensive
if your view is challenged.
I also recommend
having someone else take notes
so you can give your full attention
to each speaker.
Thank people
when they share
their opinions and ideas.”
Ask others for opinions
and then LISTEN
to those opinions.