Hey Friend,
As a leadership coach and trainer, one question I’m frequently asked is: "How do I know what my people want?" And the answer is straightforward: ask them.
It's surprising how challenging it can be for us as leaders to ask the obvious questions. Often, there's an expectation that we should intuitively know the answers. However, effective leadership requires more than just intuition; it needs active and constant engagement and communication with team members.
In today's work environment, I appreciate that you are often stretched thin, perhaps managing larger teams and navigating constant demands. Yet, despite these challenges, it's essential for you to make time for meaningful dialogue with your people and keep up with their evolving needs and preferences.
So, where should you begin when learning what your people want?
The first step is self-reflection. Ask yourself: What do I want?
In doing so, you lay the foundation for understanding your own motivations and aspirations, which is essential for understanding and empathising with others.
Once you have clarity on your own needs and goals, you can extend the same curiosity to your people. Asking "What do you want?" opens the door to authentic conversations and fosters a culture of transparency and trust.
Moving beyond this question you can then delve deeper into understanding individual preferences for leadership styles by posing questions such as:
"How would you like to be led when things are going well?"
"How would you like to be led when things are not going well?”
“How would you like to be led when I need to hold you accountable or have feedback to offer?”
Based on their response to each of these questions you might adjust your approach, adjust their expectations or continue to explore responses over a number of conversations.
Remember that effective leadership hinges on your ability to understand and respond to the needs of your people. By initiating open and honest conversations, you create the conditions for a supportive environment where individuals feel valued and empowered to succeed.
If you're interested in exploring these concepts further, I invite you to listen to my recent podcast on the topic or reach out for a personalised conversation.
Stay awesome,
Shelley 😁
P.S. One more thing...these conversations are not one-time events. People change, and their needs evolve over time. Therefore, remember to embrace ongoing dialogue to ensure you remain aligned with your team's aspirations and needs.
Shelley Flett
Leadership Trainer, Facilitator & Coach | Shelley Flett Pty Ltd
M: 0407 522 888 | E: shelley@shelleyflett.com | W: shelleyflett.com
