What A Year It's Been!
Can you believe it’s been one day short of a year since I started my video blogging on a weekly basis after having taken a few years hiatus? Quite the learning experience for me. Being in front of the camera was intimidating at first. Now, I can honestly say I enjoy it and have even built quite a good level of confidence with it all.
That said, I’ve decided to start a bit of an experiment with this week's blog… While I am still committed to providing you with information and ideas on which to ponder and reflect over the weekend, I will write blogs while only occasionally sprinkling in a video or two. Also, for the summer’s duration I will blog on a bi-weekly basis. Therefore you will hear from me next on July 13th and every other Friday morning thereafter.
Recently, I saw an article about the four most important words a manager can say. What four words come to your mind? Send me an email and let me know.
The four words were: What do you think?
After pondering this for a few days, I understand where the author is coming from. All too often a manager will ask employees what they think. Yet before the individual has a chance to respond, she provides the employee with what she thinks. Most employees will not offer a differing idea. Rather they will provide supportive arguments to the managers thoughts.This becomes an unconscious collusion that serves no purpose, and inadvertently caps idea generation in the company.
If a manager asks employees what do you think, the impact of the question can be wide reaching. Initially, the manager is eliciting the best thinking from people, sending a message that says, I want to know what you think about this. People feel good when someone wants their opinion, particularly at the office. By asking this, the manager is granting permission for employees to express thoughts and ideas, while also providing foundational pillars for a culture of inclusion and engagement. Continually asking for employees’ input strengthens their connection to the organization. The caveat here is that the manager must be sincere in wanting employee input. Ask for clarification and what made them think of that so that employee thinking skills are also being developed.
Try it and let me know what you think.
Next week we celebrate the Fourth of July, Independence Day. This is a difficult time for our country. The lack of civility is rampant. I am sure you have experienced it whether it be in the form of road rage, on a check out line, on your child’s sports team, or at work. Each of us needs to work hard to take personal responsibility for our behavior and energy. Three deep breaths always work.
Lastly, I’d like to give a shout out to NAWBO NYC’s Evening of Excellence.
Have any of my comments evoked something in you? What is your thinking on these topics? Sharing your reflections helps all of us to grow and expand our thinking. Comments can be left at the BE website, on the Contact Rosemary page.
If you have found the information in this blog of value, please forward it to colleagues, associates and friends.
I'm always available by email at info@bovaenterprises.com or phone 212 685 0870.
Thanks!
Scatter joy, and be kind to others particularly at work,
Rosemary