As tempting as it might be to tell them what to do . . .when delegating to another,  a great leader has his/her followers tell what they are going to do.

In my experience, it has been far easier to hold someone accountable for what they told me they were going to do then it was for me  to hold them accountable for what I told them to do.

What if I don’t agree with what they tell me they’re going to do on a given project?

Then we probably negotiate (if the stakes are too high to let them learn from the natural consequences of their choices).  However, if the stakes aren’t too high, I would rather have them learn a lesson through their experience than my telling them.  Experience seems to change us all more significantly and permanently.  It’s just more memorable.

Even if I decide to negotiate, I negotiate with the tools of  choices and questions.  I give them a multiple list of other ways of looking at the project – giving them a choice so I can continue to hold them accountable now for their choice.

Then go ahead and get their commitment that it’s ok for you to hold them accountable for what they’ve told you they’re going to do.  It’ll make holding them accountable that much easier.

Although it would have made the poster sound weird had I included it, be sure and include the WHEN in the equation when you get their commitment on WHAT they’re going to do.  It will prevent you from chasing them which is never a good position for a leader to assume.

Categories: Listening

Tags: listening