Management Tip of the Day: Take the Extreme Question Challenge

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   AUTHORS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile AUGUST 3, 2010 Take the Extreme Question Challenge It can be tempting for a leader, especially a smart one, to provide her team with all of the answers. However, a smarter leader knows that allowing her team to contribute ideas is not only good for the team, but makes for better results. To counter your tendency to do all of the talking, pick a meeting or conversation and commit to leading it by asking questions. Start by presenting a query that will spark discussion. Ask clarifying questions to dig deeper and better understand the ideas. Then use questions to determine next steps. It may be difficult to avoid chiming in with a statement or suggestion, but holding your tongue ensures that others will use theirs. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Bringing Out the Best in Your People" by Liz Wiseman and Greg McKeown. Read the article and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: RELATED PRODUCT Are You Asking the Right Questions? Harvard Management Communication Letter Article Asking questions can be a subtle and effective management tool. But dishing out difficult and harsh question after question to your employees may make them hide information for fear of not having the right answer or keep bad news from their bosses — a communications recipe for disaster. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS 3 Ways to Improve Performance Without a Re-Org Create Great Strategy with Stories, Not Plans Win the Sale by Winning Your Customer's Heart 3 Ways to Bring Out the Best in Your People Take One Minute to Control Your Temper 3 Ways to Manage Clashing Leadership Styles 3 Tips for Achieving Short-Term Career Goals How to Craft the Job You Want 3 Elements to Include in Your Next Change Campaign 3 Tips for Resolving a Conflict with Your Coworker BEST SELLERS Guide to Persuasive Presentations HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials Financial Intelligence Collection HBR's 10 Must Reads on Managing Yourself Guide to Better Business Writing Job Seekers, Take Note Whether you've been laid off or are considering a job change, HBR's Guide to Getting a Job will help ensure that your next move is the right one. Only $19.95. Buy now » UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2010 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)