Smart Leadership for Entrepreneurs – Part 2 of 3
This is part two of a three part series about smart leadership for entrepreneurs. Read Part 1 about creating accountability and listening. Be sure to subscribe to this site (on the right) so you don’t miss the next installment!
Use these skills discussed here with your employees, clients, vendors and anyone else you find yourself working with skills and begin to increase your success.
Make powerful requests
Sometimes we think we have made a request when really we have only had a discussion. A request looks like: “Will you do that before our next appointment?” or “I request that you fax me your bid by Wednesday.” Not a request: “If you get a chance send me your updated information.” or “Let me know when you can help me with this project.” When you make a request there are one of three responses. Accept the request with a “yes” response. Decline the request with a “no” response or negotiate the request by making a counteroffer.
Use positive language
Eliminate judgment from your communication, take out the word “should” from your vocabulary. Replacement words and phrases might be – would, could, have you considered, it would serve you. When conversing with someone, never start a sentence with “But.” This word invalidates whatever came before it. Instead of “but” use the word “and.”
Brainstorm
When you do not have the answer to a challenge at hand, generate ideas to create a possible solution through brainstorming. When doing this with yourself or with someone else, remember to not comment, evaluate, judge or edit any thoughts or suggestions. Continue to write them all down until there are no more. Then begin a dialogue using the ones that seem the most appealing. Eventually you may have a solution.
Be acknowledging
Talk about the good things you are hearing, make sure the people you interact with know that you are aware of their, risks, wins, expertise, etc.
Acknowledging someone is very different than complimenting them.
An acknowledgment refers to WHO the person is being. An example would be, ” I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me, it shows me that my project is important to you.” “I want you to know that in working with you, it is clear to me that you know your industry and you really care about your clients.” A compliment refers to something the person did or is wearing. ” That was a delicious batch of cookies you made.” “I really like your lapel pin.”
Coming up in Part 3 – Develop a culture of celebrating success, use your intuition, and use themes.
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