In Shakespeare’s Henry V, the protagonist cleverly blends in with common soldiers to gauge their feelings and concerns, testing whether they are ready to follow him into battle again. It’s a brilliant strategy for gathering honest opinions, much like the concept behind the CBS show Undercover Boss. But, if you’re the big cheese, how can you ensure the folks in your organization are giving you the real deal? Here are five effective tactics to help leaders tap into good information.
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Do It Yourself
This is akin to the Henry V approach, and guess what? It really works! I once chatted with a military sergeant who made it a point to eat alone in the base dining facility, dressed in casual workout gear. Sometimes, he even swapped out his rank insignia for that of a junior soldier. By just listening in, he discovered what was really happening around him. Of course, this isn’t foolproof if you’re running a smaller team where everyone knows each other, but it can definitely yield results. -
Empower Trusted Messengers
Take a page from the playbook of General Alex Rivers, who would select lower-ranking officers he trusted to relay issues and concerns from the ranks. This practice ensured he received honest feedback without the hesitation that sometimes comes with formal reporting. However, leaders must be cautious. If they suspect their chosen emissaries are feeding them false intel, it can lead to disastrous decisions. -
Standardized Reviews
At tech giant Amazon, meetings kick off with a six-page narrative memo. The beauty of this format is that it’s much harder to bluff your way through a detailed written document than it is in a flashy PowerPoint presentation. Not everyone loves reading or writing, but establishing a formal process for sharing information can improve timely insights across your organization. -
Pose Open-ended Questions
There’s a time for simple yes-or-no questions, but if you really want to get people talking, you need to create a comfortable environment. Instead of asking, “How are you?”—which typically gets a rote response—try something like, “What’s one thing I could do today to make your job easier?” This invites thoughtful answers and gives your team permission to share their thoughts. -
Repeated and Focused Queries
An entrepreneur I spoke with found that as his company grew, he had less time to get the details he needed. His solution involved three layered questions to encourage staff to share both good and bad news. Starting with “How’s everything?” might lead to a quick “Fine.” But following up with, “Are there any issues I should know about?” prompts a more honest response. Finally, asking, “If there were a problem, what would it be?” can open the floodgates for candid feedback.
By utilizing these strategies, leaders can foster an environment of trust and openness, ensuring they receive the information they need to make informed decisions. For more insights on how to navigate the challenges of leadership, check out our other blog post on home insemination techniques.
In summary, great leaders know how to harness the power of information. Whether through personal engagement, trusted intermediaries, structured processes, or effective questioning, the key lies in fostering open communication and trust within their teams.