Question First, Doubt Second
What if I told you that you don't need to have the answers...
Hey friend
Welcome to 200 Word Tuesdays. Where we give you short, actionable ideas to implement in your project management. We promise that you haven’t heard these powerful ideas anywhere else. Let’s get started.
Leadership don’t have all the answers.
That isn’t even your job.
When you see a potential flaw in your team’s approach, your first instinct might be to correct it immediately. However, jumping straight to critique can stifle creativity and make others feel undervalued.
Instead, pause and ask a thoughtful question before expressing doubt. For example:
“What made you decide to approach it this way?”
“Can you walk me through your reasoning here?”
“What do you think the potential challenges might be?”
By starting with a question, you achieve two critical things:
You gather context. Your team may have insights or considerations you aren’t aware of. Asking questions ensures you fully understand their perspective.
You empower your team. Inviting them to explain their reasoning demonstrates trust and respect, fostering a culture of open dialogue.
Once you’ve heard their reasoning, share your thoughts collaboratively:
“That’s an interesting approach. Have we considered…?”
“I see your point. Here’s another angle we could explore.”
This method keeps the conversation constructive and collaborative rather than confrontational. Over time, this habit not only improves outcomes but strengthens your team’s confidence and trust in your leadership.
See you next week,
Jonathan (The Effective Project Manager)
