Avoid Judgments – A Tip for Leaders
[SARN Memo for September 10, 2009]
In a group, people need to feel safe to think freely. When someone gives an idea, don’t say “that’s a bad idea.” That statement shuts down everyone’s voice. Why? Because, from then on, everyone is afraid of being told the same thing about his or her ideas.
As a leader, stay positive. Say something like “How will that get us closer to our goal?”
These ways of asking questions help keep the creative juices flowing.
Respond to this memo!1. Group Activity: Practice Avoiding Judgment
Here’s a way for your group to practice this skill. You can use it or adapt it as you wish.
Plan activities for your December party (for real or for practice only). On large paper, write the words “How will that help make the party better?” Post this to the wall. Choose one person to be the discussion leader. Then go around and ask each person to suggest one activity that might be fun for the party. After each suggestion, have the leader ask, “How will that help make the party better?” The person who proposed the idea can then tell more.
2. Resource
Leading from the Middle
There are lots of ways to help lead the group. Members can each play a role. This workshop helps you think about how.
Today’s Trivia Question:
Who said, “Whatever you are, be a good one”?
- Ed Roberts
- Sandra Day O’Connor
- Abraham Lincoln
- Nancy Pelosi
(The answer will be published in the next Memo.)
Answer to September 3rd Trivia Question: c. 1938 (the Fair Labor Standards Act made eight hours a legal day’s work nationwide)
Question was: When was the eight-hour day made the US national standard for a legal day’s work?
- 1738
- 1838
- 1938
- 1991
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