One Simple Question For Managers

(In addition to being a mentor and friend and golf partner for ten years, Steve Rae’s living the American Canadian Dream. He took risks, worked long hours, and went above-and-beyond what was required to semi-retire in his early 50s and travel the world with his lovely wife Carolyn and help schlubs like me follow in his footsteps. He’s the newest contributing editor to The Daily Blur.)

As a manager you want your staff to buy in and love working with you. There is one simple question that you can ask to make life easier and inspire your staff to great things.

What would you do?

Nobody likes to work for a boss who has all the answers. Among the most frequently cited job satisfaction indicators are feeling like you are included and contributing, so give them a chance to think for themselves.

“What would you do?”

When one of your staff approaches you with a question, the easy thing is to answer it. After all you probably know the answer. But that is when you should stop yourself and ask this question, “What would you do?”

Then let them do it.

Here’s what will begin to happen:

After you have given them permission to think for themselves a few times, they will start to take the initiative without asking you anymore. They have turned into a more productive employee all because you asked them a simple question in response to their question.

But make no mistake, it will be harder for you not to answer the question than you think. But if you train yourself you can make it happen.

Want more productive staff to make your life easier? What would you do?

Cheers

Steve