Reaching your goals is about taking a systematic approach (eg OKR´s or MBO) as much as it is about connecting and inspiring others. You will need people to understand what you are trying to achieve, believe in your approach, and work with you to achieve the goal.
Often I see people trying to do this by a mix of longer “download”-meetings (1 person speaks while the rest listens passively; zero dialogue), more colourful powerpoint presentation, flat out telling people what they should do (instructions). A lot of time and energy is consumed. To only see this approach fail. And fail miserably. 💣
This is not the way you get people to understand, engage and participate. It never has. So why do people keep resorting to this ineffective approach? I can come up with a few reasons but in this post I really don´t care. I want to focus on the solution. Which is what we often all need to do more…
The solution is as simple as it is hard.
Practice 👉 “Listen if you want to be heard”
Start using these 5 questions with your closest co-workers before you start downloading information to others or tell them what to do… You may/will be surprised*:
*NOTE: this only works if there is a context of trust and respect. If there is not…you have a far bigger problem to fix…
- Do you know and understand the goals I am trying to achieve? And why?
- How do you rate my performance in reaching my goals?
- What could I do better in your opinion?
- Do you understand the strategy and plan I am following to reach these goals?
- Do you have any ideas on how you could help me achieve my goals?
Listen actively. Listen to understand. Thank people to speak their mind when answering these questions.
Make listening part of your process to achieve your goals. It is a fundamental component, trust me.
You will find that it is 👉🏼 you who needs to understand, engage and participate first, before you can expect the same from others.
Questions are a powertool. Listening is an atomic habit.
Small decisions, with a BIG impact 💥.