No. But. However.

 NO, BUT, HOWEVER.

What are these words when it comes to being a leader?  They are powerful, but can be powerful in the wrong way.

I am currently reading "What Got You Here Won't Get You There" by Marshall Goldsmith.  Although I am not through the book, he mentions that one of the flaws of a leaders is "Starting with No, But or However.  He states that, "The overuse of these negative qualifiers which secretly say to everyone, "I'm right.  You're wrong."

He captures this beautifully because we all have worked in a corporation or business where someone thinks they are always right, or comes down hard on people with the No's.  Leaders need to shift their focus when it comes to how they communicate to their fellow co-workers.  Leaders do not just say No, But or However.  They actively listen, take in advise from co-workers, their own employees or their mangers.  They want feedback how to to improve.  I won't go and say to tell a the leadership team they can't do that...they can.  However, what a great leader does, is not say No right away.  They accept that there may be other things to consider, different ways for a project to go, or advise they need to take to heart.

Some companies complete 360's on their leadership team to develop their skills.  Just remember, if you are someone who is reviewed and needs development, that this is not a sign you are a bad person or a bad employee.  It just means that, like everyone on earth where we are constantly changing, and learning, leaders need to do that too.  Continual learning and growth is what leaders do to continue to lead by example, produce great products and service and be profitable.  

Next time you feel the need to say "No that is not the way we do it." or "You have a good point, BUT mine is the best way to go", actively listen to what people are telling or showing you.  Ask questions. Seek answers.  If it is eventually a NO, BUT or HOWEVER, be ready to show why and ensure others understand the why.  For example, you hear that they need a new forklift as the only one they have keeps breaking down and is stopping shipments going out the door.  You see that it costs 50k and your budget is blown as you lost sales due to covid.  Maybe you may say, "A new forklift is a great idea, HOWEVER the budget can only handle a used one.  I will look into that right away and see what we can do to make your job easier and more efficient.  Thank You."  (That is right...never forget to praise and say thank you whenever you can.)

In summary...remember as leaders and managers, before we say "NO, BUT or HOWEVER and you are wrong and I am always right", we need to grow, learn and listen all the time to feedback from employees, vendors, customers or whomever else may have ideas, otherwise are you really leading in the way you want to or the company needs you to?  Do you have all the information you need to make a wise decision?  Are you helping your employees keep the customer first?  Are you leading by example?

Until next time, check us out online at www.twinlifecoaching.ca or email me at tara@twinlifecoaching.ca to book a free consult.

Tara