In a meeting, if a leader expresses their opinion first, what they’re doing is anchoring the discussion to their own perspective. Instead, leaders speak last. They share their opinions once they’ve heard from other people to hear more diverse perspectives.
I’m in Alloa in Scotland, where this anchor is a reminder of the history of this town which was once a bustling port, shipping beer and whiskey and glass to other parts of the world.
When it comes to leadership, anchoring has another meaning. In a meeting, if a leader shows their opinion first, what they’re doing is anchoring the discussion. And that means people will respond based on what they think might be important to the leader or how they want to appear to the leader. It closes down the opportunity for ideas and perspectives. It compromises innovation, the likelihood that we solve problems.
So, our Nudge to you this week is that leaders speak last. They share their opinions once they’ve heard from other people. They avoid anchoring the discussion. I’m Peter Russian in Alloa. This is your Leadership Nudge.
