Why Great Leaders Make Room for Other People’s Thinking
One of the interesting things about leadership is that the strengths that helped you get where you are can create challenges later on.
Take expertise.
Early in our careers, we’re rewarded for having answers. We solve problems, make decisions, and become the person others rely on when things get complicated.
As leadership responsibilities grow, so does the need to create space for other people to think, contribute, and problem-solve.
That can be a difficult shift.
Many successful leaders built their careers on being knowledgeable, prepared, and dependable. When a question comes up, the instinct is often to jump in with an answer. In the moment, it feels efficient. The meeting moves forward. The issue gets resolved.
Over time, though, people can become more accustomed to waiting for direction than offering their own perspective.
I’ve seen it happen countless times. A leader asks for input and then fills the silence before anyone has a chance to respond. The intention is usually positive. They’re trying to help, provide clarity, or keep things moving.
But every time that happens, an opportunity for someone else to think out loud, share an idea, or challenge an assumption disappears.
The leaders I admire most have a genuine curiosity about what others see.
They ask questions such as:
- What are we missing?
- What risks haven’t we considered?
- What would you recommend?
- What are you seeing that I may not be seeing?
Those questions invite participation. They encourage ownership. They make people feel like contributors rather than spectators.
They also require patience.
Not everyone processes information at the same speed. Some people need a few moments to gather their thoughts. Some of the best insights emerge after a brief pause that many leaders feel compelled to fill.
A related challenge shows up when employees bring problems to their leaders.
The natural reaction is often to solve the issue right away. Sometimes that’s necessary. More often, there’s value in slowing down and exploring the situation before prescribing a solution.
Questions like:
- What options have you considered?
- What do you think is driving the issue?
- What support would be most helpful?
Can lead to stronger decision-making and greater accountability.
Over time, people develop more confidence in their own judgment. Teams become more resourceful. Conversations become richer.
One of the best measures of leadership is the capability of the people around you. When leaders create opportunities for others to think, contribute, and grow, the entire organization benefits.
The next time you’re in a meeting, notice how quickly you step in with an answer. You might find that a little more curiosity and a little more space lead to insights that wouldn’t have surfaced otherwise.
This article originally appeared at WeAreComvia.com and is reprinted here with permission.
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Michael Piperno is a communication coach and executive presence expert. His insights empower leaders to communicate effectively and authentically.