Helping others answer their own questions

​Colleagues,

Have you been fielding any questions from those you serve this week?
 
Maybe a few? (sarcasm intended)
 
I’ve spoken to several leaders who are getting inundated with questions, many of which have no answer, or the answer today will be different than the answer tomorrow.
 
It is natural for people to want answers and to look to their leaders for those answers, but is it healthy? Sure, many of the questions need to come to you. However, when people are unsettled, they often ask questions to which they themselves could figure out a reasonable answer.
 
This past week has anyone asked you a question that they didn’t really need to?
 
As long as you keep answering questions that others can answer, they will keep coming to you.
 
What if you could help people address their own issues? That would help build additional leadership capacity and allow you more time to invest in solving root problems. Here are three ways to respond when someone asks a question that you don’t need to answer:

1. Reflect the question back: “If I wasn’t available, how would you handle it?”
2. Help them assess the risk: “If you think you should do x, what is the worst thing that can happen?”
3. Connect them to someone else: “I know so-and-so was also thinking about this, why don’t you contact them and then let me know what you want to do?”

 
Note that each response:

1. Acknowledges the concern.
2. Allows you to add value by helping them reflect.
3. Encourages them to take initiative.

 
Most people understand that there are presently many unscripted situations for which we are inventing solutions on the fly. Reflecting, assessing, and connecting remind them of that reality in a positive way and may also help them feel a bit more control amidst the turmoil.

Do good and be well,

​Frederick