Photo by Abe Novy on Flickr
5 Tips to knowing ‘All the Answers’ – by Arnie Wohlgemut
Ever feel the pressure to answer all your staff and coworkers questions? Or even the impulse to interject something into conversation that isn’t really needed? I have.
It is a hard habit to un-learn however the rewards are amazing!
Several years ago, I was tasked to create a corporate emergency response and lockdown procedure. As a facility manager, I had security operational experience and threat assessment training however, that had its limitations.
I didn’t have all the answers! Who knew?!
Having made connections in other departments and harnessing staff experience, we were able to pull something together quickly. I had a young lady on staff (lets call her ‘Shannon’) who confirmed for me the importance of a team’s collective knowledge.
Here are the 5 tips to having all the answers:
1. Admit it! You may not know everything. Experience and intuition are important but being open to knowledge and wisdom from a diverse team’s experience can help you accomplish much.
2. Don’t be pre-occupied with your own wisdom. This pre-occupation is a stumbling block. Be willing to ask questions, even if you think you know the answer. However, be willing to provide all information that could be useful in getting to the solution.
3. Create an inclusive work environment, an environment where its safe for others to ask questions and contribute ideas that may lead to resolving the problem at hand. I clearly recall the day ‘Shannon’ stopped by my office, offering to help. She had emergency response procedure experience from a previous employer, and knew she would be an asset. As it turns out, she was a HUGE asset!
“It’s clear that people are more innovative and productive when they work around other people.” ~ Diane Hoskins
4. Develop skills in each person, and do so intentionally. Wherever possible have growth plan for each staff member. In my experience this can easily be part of the dreaded performance review process. I once had the privilege to support ‘Shannon’ as she further gathered relevant information for difficult issues, prepared the procedure documents and lead the multi-department review meetings. These “new skills” helped Shannon to advance within the company.
5. Know when to lead and when not to lead. Often referred to as situational leadership. This style creates the circumstances where your team is ready to carry the “ball” when you are not able to do so. Every great quarterback knows who to hand or pass the ball to, by reading the circumstance at the line of scrimmage. They know at any given moment which player is in a better position to receive a pass or run the ball. This kind of leadership empowers your employees to go above and beyond and instills trust.
Great managers focus on their staff. That is where the greatest source of knowledge and wisdom can be found. An inclusive work environment should be part of your empowerment strategy.
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