When an employee (or a peer, or anyone) comes to you with good news, how do you respond? Do they walk away feeling satisfied, inspired, and motivated? As leaders, that’s what we strive for, right? Or do they walk away feeling de-motivated?
You may be surprised to discover you may be wasting an opportunity – even worse, harming the relationship – and not even realising it.
For example, how do you think your employees would describe your typical responses to their good news?
1. Active/Constructive
'My manager usually reacts to my good news enthusiastically – sometimes even more excited than I initially was. I’m often encouraged to “relive the moment” and he/she takes the time to listen and ask questions.'
2. Passive/Constructive
'My manager doesn’t make a big deal out of it, but I’m pretty sure is happy for me.'
3. Active/Destructive
'My manager often finds a problem with my good news – the glass is always only half full.'
4. Passive/Destructive
'Sometimes I get the impression my manager isn’t paying attention or just doesn’t care much.'
As a leader, every interaction with your employees is an opportunity to inspire and motivate. We tend to spend a lot of time teaching managers how to deliver bad news, deal with conflict, deliver constructive feedback, and solve employee concerns.
How about if we discipline ourselves to respond in a positive way to good news? It sounds so easy but it's not. Try it out, and see what happens. What have you got to lose?
No comments:
Post a Comment