I was startled into momentary silence – which most of you would know to be a first for me.
My colleague explained that I seemed to have no fear of speaking to senior leaders – and when I did, I gave the the impression that I did not care if it was a career limiting move. Hence, the bank account to fall back on.
I explained the following:
- I want to be a trusted advisor to my leaders – therefore it is my duty to tell them my perspectives (which due to their seniority they may not have access to)
- I want to role model how to respectfully challenge leaders – because if I can do this, then perhaps others will safe doing the same. It is crucial that organisations have truth- tellers
- If I am asking the question, it’s likely that others are thinking it – but no one wants to speak up (for any number of reasons).
- While I do tend to speak up and ask questions when others wouldn’t, there are always questions I would never ask – because they are likely to cause embarrassment or hurt or because the person wouldn’t be able to answer appropriately.
Friends – stop letting your fear of losing your job stop you from doing the right thing in the organisation. Here is the fundamental for asking questions of your leaders:
- Start from a place of curiosity. Phrase your question appropriately.
- Don’t use emotive language.
- Don’t ask pointless questions for example – Does Diversity and Inclusion mean us men will lose our jobs? BTW – google this to find the answer if this is your questions. In short, the answer is No.
- Before you ask your question, ask yourself – what is the intent behind my question. If you want to show up your leader or play to the audience’s base sentiments or you want to cause embarrassment, then don’t ask.
Go forth and be fearless friends. But be respectful while doing it. And to answer my colleague’s question? I have wealth beyond measure because I have all of you in my life AskingFearlessQuestions
#leadership #workplacecourage @radicalkindness