Martin Business Consulting, Inc.
Consulting-Training-Auditing-Coaching-Support
January 31, 2013
MBC, Inc. –Volume 3 – Tip 2
Bi-Monthly Informational Guide
MBC, Inc. Quality Tips and Information
Have you ever notice how members of the press can ask questions that are beyond obvious or just not needed. Such as; “Beside that Mrs. Lincoln did you enjoy the play?”
I do not mean to be disrespectful, but I would like to make a point about questions that are often ask of leaders, managers, peers and subordinates. Not only the questions asked but also the answers that are given. Or maybe it is not the answer that is the problem, but the thought process leading to the answer.
Often with a question posed to a group, such as in a training class or in a group or team meeting, there are generally two approaches. If the facilitator or leader were to ask, “As a leader what is your most valuable asset?” When I have posed such questions, I can almost “see” the thought process as people try to determine their response. People seem to fall into two groups; one group will quickly begin to self-analyze their personal attributes to see which one they think is the best answer. The second group will immediately begin to process a response in an attempt to determine “What does he expect me to say?” This second group will also get in line behind an answer they believe is the “best”. If one person comes up with a response they think is “great”, many will repeat the same attribute.
The first group is attempting to give an honest response as they see or understand what is important. The second group simple attempts to “not-ruffle-anyone’s-feathers”.
Both groups are absolutely a member of that largest of all groups, those that think “inside-the-box”, a narrow view of creativity and not willing to speak up to something new or simply not willing to be creative. You may notice that I did not say they were incapable of being creativity, I said they were not willing to be creative a vast difference.
This entire disposition to this point has been about the topic of leadership, leading, looking forward, or becoming an agent of change. This has all been masked to this point behind the premise of ‘asking a question’. Asking a question was only the entry method to address the courage it takes to be a leader, to step out and be seen as a creative individual.
In the quest for brevity let me begin to close by going back to my prior question. As a leader what is your most valuable asset? Various answers are put forward when I ask this question at training forums, answers range from education, experience, training, support by my leaders, support by my subordinates, and acceptance by my peers to some specific tool or some personal skill.
I would content that all these answers are secondary to your ‘most valuable asset’. Consider this answer; your most valuable asset is your ‘mind’. At least give this answer some honest consideration and see if you do not agree. Everything else gives information, support, guidance, alternatives or other valuable input, your ‘mind’ is the tool that processes all this external information and input and makes appropriate decisions, creates new programs, gives new direction, creates growth or remains limited and only follows orders. Please, give it some thought!
For additional information, you may contact the President of MBC, Inc. at anytime; Phone 931.637.1446, or E-mail – Bmartin@MBCIncorp.com
Thank You
Bill Martin – President
MBC, Inc.
