Quick Question: How might we...?

Creating a sense of possibility within your team can be difficult with the pressure to deliver quickly. Resistance may show up in several different ways.

Asking 'how might we...?' can unlock a new sense of possibility.

Quick Question: How will we make this decision?

We often jump into decision-making mode without stopping to consider whether we’re all planning to make the decision in the same way. Are we aiming for consensus? Is this a captain’s call? Or will the majority rule?

Quick Question: How can I help?

When offering help, we often have a preconceived notion of the response we'll receive. Or even the response we want. The trick is to set that aside and listen. Asking the question 'How can I help?' creates safety to have an open conversation about what is needed.

Quick Question: Why are we doing this?

As leaders, one of our most important jobs is setting the context for our people. It’s easy to assume, ‘I’ve told them why. They get it. I need to move on to the next thing.’

The trouble is, once your team is deep into complex, fast work, they easily lose sight of why they are doing it. The risk of losing sight is wasted time and money spent delivering the wrong thing.

Here are some ways you can avoid these pitfalls.