November, 14th
LEADERSHIP STRATEGY:SEVEN STEPS TO COLLECTING GOOD INFORMATION FROM OTHERS

hearing is not listening
Starting a group venture on a solid foundation, demands the presence of shared understanding. Although this thought makes common sense it is seldom common practice. There never seems to be enough time to start well by communicating effectively.
A business decision requiring only one “head” in 1950, now demands the involvement of ten—shared understanding is a critical success factor. Projects often fail because the team is inadequately prepared. How often have you been asked to pitch in without knowing the whats, wheres, whens, whys, hows, or with whom?
How to collect good information from others:
- Collect the ideas and concerns of participants before starting a task. (given the opportunity to put in, people are more inclined to put out).
- Focus the discussion exclusively on the desired outcome, don’t let the conversation drift. Keep a “parking lot” where people can post out of scope questions, comments or ideas with the understanding that you will get back to them if there is time at the end of the meeting.
- Use open ended questions to draw out contributors.
- Manage air time to ensure that each member contributes and is heard.
- Before closing, switch to closed questions such as, “is this the way best in your opinion?” (closed questions clarify intent and will minimize confusion).
- End with a summary of what you think you heard, ask for clarification, and thank contributors .
- Avoid sharing your personal opinion during the information gathering stage (offering your view will create an unnecessary distraction).