#Questions
#Questions from those in authority are not bad. So many people take offense when asked for more details or more data. We too often don't want to have to explain ourselves or our decisions. I get it. I don't like to lose momentum by stopping to explain myself either, but we have to get past the tendency to be #antiquestion. Consider this:
Questions mean they are interested. Yes, the occasional question may be revealing an ulterior motive but for the most part questions invite you to share more. Use the opportunity to enlighten, engage and excite the leader about the topic at hand. Have a goal of making them MORE excited about what they are questioning.
Questions provide a path to clarity. Sometimes we get so bogged down in the day-to-day that we forget not everyone knows what we know. Use the question as an opportunity to clarify your position, your decision or your approach. Questions can make us sharper and more on our toes and we need that from time-to-time.
Questions invite connection. Use questions as an opportunity for a one-to-one discussion. Offer to enlighten, inform or walk a leader through your process. Too many of us want to be left alone to do our work but that attitude and approach can lead to transactional connections instead of cultivated relationships.
Let's reposition our auto-response to questions to be a bit less cynical and a bit more inviting of leaders into our work. You do great things. Use the interest, opportunity to clarify and invitation to connect to promote the great work you do and the strong professional that you are.
-Mindy Muller, CFRE, President/CEO of CDP
#leaders #work #opportunity #share #leader #connections #nonprofits #smallbusiness #leadership
