Practice using open questions to be curious, not compelling. Watch David explain how to become a Question Master. Here’s an activity that will have you practice being curious before being compelling. Have someone write down every question you ask in a meeting = verbatim. What I’m looking for is it needs to be specific enough...
Saying “well” at the start of an answer to a question is a good indicator that what follows includes things like deflection, accountability avoidance and blame. Watch as David explains. “Well” is a tell. When you ask a question, if the first word you hear back is “well,” most likely what will follow has an element...
Being deliberate about THINKING while DOING a task will help you balance redwork and bluework. Watch David explain with an everyday example from the kitchen. To learn more about redwork and bluework, read Leadership Is Language: The Hidden Power of What You Say — and What You Don’t. Get your autographed copy here. Hey, you...
Giving people decision-making control over their work and resources is an alternative to feeling the need to hold people accountable. Watch David explain. I don’t like the term “holding someone accountable.” Usually, for me, it means I need to make someone else feel the sting or feel bad for their bad performance. And I kind...
But first . . . redwork When you are asked to work on a project, start by doing some redwork. Then use that work to ask what changes should be made. Gaining clarification on a project is easier when there is a tangible place to start. Hey, you want to earn the right to ask...
When we use self-deprecating language, we negate the words that follow. Stop saying things like “I’m just . . . a receptionist . . .” or “I’ve been here just two years . . .” Instead, remove the word “just” and say what you think and what you see. Your voice matters! Hey, here’s a...
Getting your team together for a weekly meeting allows them to share projects and intent with each other, get and give feedback about how certain actions affect other projects, and work together as a team toward organizational goals. Hey, David Marquet here. So I recently started working with a senior executive at a FINTECH company. And...
When inviting feedback, be specific with your request. This makes it easier for people to respond and the information you receive will be more meaningful. I went to get my haircut last week and the hairdresser said, “You seem to come in here a bit more often these days.” And she was right. And I...
Curtail wasted effort by having short bluework and redwork periods of time in the beginning of a project and longer bluework and redwork periods toward the end of a project. David explains how this helps teams avoid playing the game called “Bring me a rock.” The staff complaining about initiatives that came down from on...
Changing behavior and keeping resolutions can be hard. Watch David explain how using different words can help. Hey everybody! Hope you’re doing well. Happy New Year! I’ve got something to help you maintain a New Year’s resolution, or just be able to maintain your resolutions or change habits easier. And the trick is that when...
