fingersinears

You thought you covered all the bases.

Emails sent to the team? Check.

Timely speech delivered in weekly staff meeting? Check.

Expectations clearly communicated? Check

One-on-one conversations with key team members? Check.

Then why is everyone carrying on as if nothing was said?

Weren’t they all nodding their heads during your PowerPoint presentation?

Didn’t they get the message?

Clearly not.

So, what’s the problem?

The message might not be the problem.

The problem might be you.

Take a look in the mirror and ask these 7 questions:

1. Are you believable?

It helps if people think you know what you’re doing. You need to demonstrate competence in your role and earn respect by getting involved and getting results. This may come in the form of tackling a longstanding challenge on behalf of the team or addressing a complex problem that others have avoided. You don’t have to save the world, just show people you’ve earned the responsibility you’ve been given.

2. Are you trustworthy?

The importance of trust in leadership has been discussed and expounded upon in countless books and articles. If you want people to act on your message they need to believe you will keep your part of the bargain and that you have their interests, not just your own, in mind. Hold yourself to the standards you expect from others. The bigger the ask, the greater the balance you’ll need in your trust account.

3. Are you listening?

When you do all the talking, don’t be surprised when people stop listening. If you make it all about you, your idea, your solution, you as the smartest person in the room…you get the picture. People want to be heard. You don’t have to act on every idea, but you should be open to discussion and debate. To skip this step is to invite passive aggressive behavior and a lot of head-nodding and lip-service. Try starting with questions instead of answers.

“Listening is being willing to be changed by the other person.” Alan Alda

4. Are you inclusive?

When your idea becomes their idea, or better yet, our idea, which is likely better than your original idea anyway…well…that’s a home run. Then what if you just step out-of-the-way and let them drive the change? It doesn’t get much better than that. Bring others in from the beginning, otherwise, expect to do a lot of huffing and puffing because you have decided to pull the train up the hill all by your lonesome. You may get to the top, but it will take a lot longer and require a lot more energy.

5. Are you grateful?

If your track record is to reward a job well done by piling on more work or to take the public credit for successes the team accomplished you can expect a tough road ahead. Gratitude reduces resistance. Make sure you are rewarding the right behaviors and attitudes, and that your intention is sincere, then be generous with your appreciation.

6. Are you humble?

Did you know you can be strong, confident and humble? In fact, some of the greatest leaders in history were known for their humility. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Be willing to admit when you are wrong, accept tough questions and talk to anyone at any level to gather input. When people sense that you are “with them”, that you are human, they will be more open to what you have to say and what you ask them to do.

7. Are you consistent?

Some leaders put their teams through a never-ending-merry-go-round of impulsive change; chasing after every shiny object that catches their eye and dragging them down rabbit holes. Other leaders set standards for change but then ignore those standards when the top sales person or star performer doesn’t follow through. If you are inconsistent, unpredictable and impulsive your team will begin to dig their heels in to restore some level of fairness, certainty and stability. Soon you’ll be going in circles by yourself.

If all else fails…ask. Sit down with your team and be vulnerable. Ask them why your message isn’t getting through and what you can do to get things back on track. They’ll tell you.

What are other reasons our message might not get through? What are other ways we can help ensure that it does?