Hello Lifelong Learner ...
Here's the next in our series of weekly managerial TIPS (Techniques, Insights, and Practical Solutions) to help you better engage your team in the activities that lead to higher performance.
CORE Bites #6: The vast majority of us have taken a complex road trip to an unfamiliar destination and used a GPS navigation system to provide directions. “In 100 feet turn right; in 400 feet turn left; at the next traffic circle take the 2nd exit ...” are all familiar phrases we've heard as we navigate through the labyrinth of any major city. Curiously, if a driver who's relied on a GPS is ever asked "What roads did you take to get here?" the typical response is "Um ... I don't recall ... I was just following the directions from the GPS." Why is this a typical response? Because when we're being fed directions from a GPS we don't have to think ... and when we're not thinking, there's no retention!
When you bring this phenomenon into the workplace, you'll find a similar situation occurring with employees frequently not remembering important steps of a job or task simply because the manager or supervisor is providing all the 'directions' (telling).
High Value Activity (HVA) Action Step: This week (starting today), look for those occasions when you might have a tendency to 'tell' your employees what to do instead of getting them involved in the solution (thinking). When you're asked a question about how to do something, or how to handle a situation, instead of providing the answer (telling), start 'asking' the TPC (Think/Plan/Commit) questions to help them learn (and become self-sufficient). Questions like “What do you think will work here?” or “What has worked in the past?” or “What have you seen other people do in this type of situation?” are all great techniques to get your employees actively involved in finding the solution (which will help their retention!).
I'd love to hear how this HVA works for you!
Have a brilliant day ... and enjoy the journey!
Neil Dempster, PhD, MBA
RESULTant™ and Behavioral Engineer
