I was first introduced to the idea of the question:statement ratio from Jim Collins, author of Good to Great and several other successful business books. This key leadership principle applies to leadership both in business and in the home.
Collins reminds leadership that they have a responsibility to constantly gather information. Regularly seeking input equips those charge. Asking questions empowers the team. Instead of the passive stance of listening, the team is active, participating, and engaged.
- What does the team need from me?
- What is working?
- What is not working?
- How could we do things better?
Am I a Leader?
You may be thinking, hey I am not a leader. I don’t have a business or a team.
Maybe you do; you just never thought of them in that way.
Who are the people you influence in any given day?
Who are the people that ask for your advice, opinion, or insight?
When someone needs help, do they call you?
Then you my friend, are a leader.
Do you have people with whom you interact daily to achieve a common goal?
Do you have a core group that enables you to succeed?
Do you have a group that you are responsible for equipping to help them succeed?
Then you have a team.
As a leader, it is imperative to constantly be gathering information. Constantly checking in with your team. Not so that you can do all of the talking. While you are not to remain silent, you want to keep a check on the number of statements you make in relation to questions.
If you find that you are talking more than listening, that is a clue that your ratios are off. If you notice that your voice is the only one you hear, it’s time to ask a question. A powerful moment awaits the leader who is willing to ask questions and limit their statements.
