How to Hear Voices

Photo by Kristin Andrus

"How can everyone be heard? There's no decision we can make that will satisfy everyone!"

When leaders and managers first become aware of the value of team input into decisions, they can grow frustrated or anxious as they realize that they can't satisfy every opinion in the room. I have even seen exasperated leaders quit asking for their team's input because they don't know what to do with it once they get it.

If you are experiencing this frustration or fear, the first thing to know is that yes, decisions are healthier when everyone affected is heard - but "heard" doesn't always mean the decision satisfies the opinion expressed.

Think about your own experiences with group decision-making. Even if the decision doesn't ultimately go your way, if you know you were genuinely listened to and the values of your position were taken into consideration, it is often easier to move forward.

I like the way facilitation expert Roger Schwarz says it: The goal is an environment where anyone might lose an argument, but they never lose their voice.

Here are 7 ways to be sure you hear the important voices on your team:

1. Clarify up front how the decision will be made - consensus, majority rule, or input then leader decision.

2. Define clear criteria. Get input from everyone at this step so that no hidden criteria sabotage decisions.

3. Create space to hear from everyone. Invite the quieter team members to share their opinions and observations.

4. Ask. Don't assume that every voice will volunteer to be heard. Sometimes you must seek out the voices that need to be heard.

5. Check for understanding. A good goal here is to be able to articulate someone's position even better than they can.

6. Explain. When circumstances allow for it, take time to explain the reasons for a decision.

Bonus #7. Use real life case studies to help teams learn how to evaluate criteria and deal with real world constraints. As much as possible, help team members to experience real world constraints and consequences. This provides valuable experience for them, helps their input be valuable, and can create understanding when decisions don't go their way.

How do you create a culture where everyone has a voice?

For more on this topic, you may be interested in reading:

• Four Habits to Make Better Decisions
• Six Ways to Not Walk Naked Down the Street
• Help is Available!

David M. Dye

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David shares twenty years experience teaching, coaching, leading, and managing in youth service, education advocacy, city governance, and faith-based nonprofits. He currently serves as Chief Operating Officer for Colorado UpLift and enjoys helping others discover and realize their own potential.

Who Am I To Dream?

Vision.

For emerging leaders the word can cause paralysis. The world seems filled with stories of great leaders with unshakable dreams that inspired them and the people around them. For newer leaders who are finding their voice, these powerful leadership stories may cause doubt- who am I compared to them? What are my dreams against theirs?

And yet, change always starts with vision. An idea...a dream...a picture of a world different than it is today. Don't allow the size of others' dreams to diminish the value of yours.

Effective leaders take time to find their own voice. Leaders pay attention and are present with themselves and with the people around them. They listen to what their heart is telling them about their world today and about what it might be tomorrow. Vision grows from awareness.

Awareness doesn't have to be huge - it might extend as far as your family, your team...or perhaps your city. Too big? Imagine what would happen if one leader with a positive dream emerged on every city block and brought together a team of people to care about that small plot of land and people? Cities, nations, the entire world would be transformed by the power of these "small" dreams!

Finding your voice and discovering your dreams about tomorrow is the beginning of vision. The next step in the journey is share it with others...

What is your dream?

David M. Dye

Subscribe today or join the discussion at: http://davidmdye.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @davidmdye
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/david-dye/b/a08/82
****

David shares twenty years experience teaching, coaching, leading, and managing in youth service, education advocacy, city governance, and faith-based nonprofits. He currently serves as Chief Operating Officer for Colorado UpLift and enjoys helping others discover and realize their own potential.