Usefulness

It’s good to give, so here are 10 useful words and 10 useful questions.

When we have language we can articulate our needs, take care of ourselves, build better relationships and get things done.

Words are tools. Can you ‘speak business’?

Questions are the cutting edge of leadership skills. How good are your questions?

10 Useful Words

1. Really – adds emphasis and invites commitment. For example; are you going to try and complete the task, or are you really going to do it?
2. If – small and powerful and a way to invite thinking. For example; if you said ‘yes’ what would change? And if you took that path, how would life be different?
3. And – is warm and engaging. Much better than using the harsher and more critical sounding ‘but.’ For example; ‘your report is great and I need to see the data behind your conclusions.’
4. What – invites thinking and is more value-adding than ‘why,’ which tends to hook us back to a young psychological age.
5. Trend – the trend is your friend. Step back from the detail and see the bigger picture.
6. Thanks – the one word staff need to hear from their leader. How often do you say it to people?
7. Boundaries – hold them. People need to know what the rules are and that they are being upheld. Porous boundaries create confusion and sap confidence.
8. Process – have one written down for everyone to follow. A good process leads to good outcomes. If you hit a snag then change the process.
9. Think – when was the last time you stopped ‘doing’ and had a really good think? Thinking adds value and is often grossly underused.
10. Ask – adults ask for support. If you’re not in control of your Ego then prepare to fail!

10 Useful Questions

1. What are you actually going to do?
2. How are you getting in the way of yourself?
3. What’s your secret wish?
4. What does the data suggest?
5. How can you guarantee success?
6. What are the headlines?
7. How long did you spend thinking this through?
8. Which question do you most fear?
9. What assumptions have you made?
10. How will you take Vienna?

This last question deserves an explanation. Napoleon Bonaparte was reputed to have said; ‘If you’re going to take Vienna, take Vienna!’

What he meant was:

• Have a goal.
• Have a plan.
• Check the plan is workable.
• Put energy into actioning the plan.
• Keep your focus.
• Get on with it.
• Take Vienna.

(Sorry Vienna).