The “Call Five People” Rule
Isolation is destructive security. Use the “Call Five People” rule to shatter your silo.
When You Lead in Isolation
- Perception narrows.
- Judgment dulls.
- Mistakes multiply.
- Influence shrinks.
- Doubt amplifies.
- Ego solidifies.
- Failure compounds.
The Rule
Spend 10 minutes with five different people.
Explain the situation.
Say, “My current thinking is…”
Ask questions like…
- After hearing this, what comes to mind for you?
- What am I overlooking?
- If you were me, your first move tomorrow morning would be…?
- If I fail, what did I leave undone?
- What must be done first?
Call Five People When
#1. You’ve circled the same problem for 48 hours. When you’re confused, talk with five people who believe in you.
#2. You wonder how. Call five people who have done it.
#3. You’re second-guessing. Connect with five people who know your strengths.
#4. You’re at a crossroads. Speak with people who ask great questions.
#5. The deadline for a major decision is pressing. Ask what if I do nothing?
#6. A high-stakes conversation is around the corner. Seek great relationship builders.
#7. You earned a promotion. Ask, “What’s the key to success over the next 90 days?”
Potential Members of Your “Call Five People” Roster
- The Sage: A mentor or leader with insight and experience.
- The Contrarian: A person who practices constructive dissent.
- The Peer: Someone who is in the trenches with you.
- The Outsider: Someone removed from your industry. Seek a human reality check.
- The Frontline: A team member directly impacted by this issue.
- The Dreamer: This person usually says, “What about…” Or “We could…”
- The Doer: Someone who always finishes what they start.
- The Feeler: An empath who feels what others feel.
When should leaders utilize the “Call Five People” rule?
Who do you suggest for the roster? Not on the roster?
Read: The Three Power-People You Need on Your Team
Author’s note: The idea of calling five people came from my friend Stan Endicott.
Thanks to your friend Stan Endicott and to you for providing this invaluable suggestion about calling five people. Unlike so many today phoning is way down on my way of communicating. Alas, asking for advice , although improving lately, is also not a top priority.There is an ongoing issue that affects many of our members that must be resolved. Will do this today before jumping head first into being the problem solver. Gaining clarity from requesting different perspectives while realizing that precious I do not have all or even some of the best answers makes good sense.
Stan is a sage in my life. We talk once or twice a month and I’m better for it.
You might like this project: “What I Learned from a Week of Advice-Seeking” https://leadershipfreak.blog/2018/10/29/what-i-learned-from-a-week-of-advice-seeking/
The thought of calling five people is another way of framing the fact that leaders should not surround themselves with people that always agree with them. Leaders need a diversity of perspectives to help them lead effectively-especially those perspectives with which they may not agree. Leaders must also keep their ego in check to listen to the five people they call or those around them for consideration of varying views. Thanks for the thoughts today Dan.
Listening is an ego check. Of course we need to listen to understand, not reply. That’s a whole nuther issue.