I browbeat people when I “know” the path forward. I tell them what I want, before thinking about what they need to hear.
Additionally, I pressure people when I’ve made up my mind. At least that’s what others tell me.
Honestly, I don’t see Browbeating Dan. I see myself as Pussy Cat Dan.
Burden of knowledge:
The burden of knowing – even if you don’t – is nearly uncontainable. Thinking you “know” is enough to close your ears and open your mouth.
Alternative:
Slow down and say what they need to hear not what you need to say. Help people hear by enhancing capacity.
Give:
- Hope if you expect boldness.
- Purpose if you expect endurance.
- Confidence if you expect change.
Boldness:
You need to say, “Be bold.” They need to have hope. Hope precedes boldness. If they don’t believe projects can be completed on time or goals completed within budget, they won’t act boldly.
Boldness rises when success is likely.
Those with hope believe wins are possible. It’s hopeless if you can’t win. Without hope everyone goes through the motions. But, people with hope move forward.
Hope fuels boldness.
Endurance:
You need to say, “Keep going – endure – don’t quit.” But, they need purpose. They ask, “Why keep going if it doesn’t matter?” “What’s the purpose?”
People endure when goals matter. Stop saying, “Endure.” Start explaining purpose.
Profound purpose fuels endurance.
Change:
You need to say, “Embrace change.” They need confidence they’ll fit in after change.
Freedom to change comes from believing you’ll still fit in.
Rush:
Leaders rush to explain what to do, while neglecting the capacity of listeners. You think, just do what I say! But, telling babies to walk doesn’t enable walking. Leadership by proclamation isn’t leading.
Capacity:
Successful leaders explain challenges and increase capacity.
How do you understand the relationship between capacity and the ability to accept challenges?
How can leaders enhance the capacity of others to rise to challenges?
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