In our last two posts we've focused on how to make the mindset shift from consensus or compliance (depending on your tendencies) to commitment. The first of three focus areas was to provide intentional and structured communication to help win the hearts and minds of your people. The second was explaining the Big Why. 

Allow for Dialogue

Have you ever found yourself in a weird space at work - an awkward, strange, uncomfortable, how-did-this-happen kind of place? And then you just let it pass…and pass…and pass? 

There are basically two different types of team-building programs – those designed to reward & those designed to fix organizational problems.

Audrey works as a software engineer in a fast growing technology company in Denver. She’s young, smart, and a rising star on her team. She’s got a great attitude that is equally matched with performance. You might call her a “high potential” team member or even an “A” player.

The latest workplace communication craze called "Yes and" has recently been popularized by team builders and improv folks who've never stepped into the business board room. It's a technique that minimizes disagreement and encourages agreement. So, instead of responding to a team member's idea with a "No" or a "But," people are trained to respond with a "Yes and…."

Most leaders struggle with how to give team members feedback. Use this model to provide feedback in a way that will engender team member commitment.

In my last post I wrote about "The Big Why" - the importance for leaders to communicate the rationale behind their decisions. After all, who wants to be told what to do? And emotional commitment only comes when people understand why.

When was the last time someone told you what to do without explaining the reason behind their directive? What was your reaction? Did you unquestionably cooperate? 

Today’s global business environment requires leaders to navigate geographical and cultural differences that team members and constituents bring to the business. Perhaps it’s remote employees based in China, India, or the Philippines. Maybe it’s the sales relationship with customers in different regions of the country.