I haven’t been able to put my finger on it, but someone knows when you are asking them for something vs when you are involving them in a decision.
Asking a team member “what do you think of X” sounds like it’s involving them, but it’s unlikely you are; even if you’re trying to, it won’t be perceived that way.
Involvement requires a few variables:
- They’ve gotta be part of the ideation phase of the original/big idea; the thinking stage before any action is taken. Ideation of a piece of the core idea is not involvement.
- They’ve gotta be engaged with, conversed with, collaborated with in the middle of a project. They need tasks and to-dos; not just being asked what they think of a decision or what they’d recommend.
- They’ve gotta be recognized as a key player in the completion of the project. This is the one that is easiest to evaluate throughout and helps the us nail the first two bullet points. Envision you’re at the end of the project tomorrow and you’re giving a speech: are you complimenting your team member to start? If not, you’re likely not involving them.
It’s not a perfect structure but it’s directionally accurate and will help you become the leader people both need and want.
Stay Positive & Involvement Is Key To Retention, Connection, Meaningful Execution…
Garth Beyer is a Certified Cicerone®, Senior Content Specialist at Encompass Technologies, owner of Garth's Brew Bar and a Madison-based freelance writer.
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