Good leaders cast a wide net by listening to many stakeholders, experts, and influencers on a topic or decision they are wrestling with.
But they don’t apply what they learn equally.
They choose to ignore some advice, focus on particular data points from some stakeholders, and gain perspective from others. In other words, they listen to a wide variety of people while selectively deciding what to incorporate into their own thinking.
They guard against overweighing what the so-called experts say and what they learn last. They trust their own instincts as to what is important, relevant, and insightful. But they take in as much information as they can while they seek to create clarity for themselves.
Because they want to learn as much as possible about what others think, good leaders do their best not to let others know which ideas or arguments they value and what information they are likely to discard.
This keeps everyone talking and feeling both important and included. But without a good “crap detector,” too many opinions can overcomplicate their thinking and slow down their decision-making.
So, they critically evaluate every opinion and data point separately, deciding what has value and what doesn’t. Relying on a reliable “crap detector” is the key. They don’t accept anything at face value.
As a matter of course, they distinguish between opinions and facts, and unsubstantiated claims from evidence. Their skepticism isn’t obvious, but they take a critical view of everything while remaining tremendously curious as to why people believe what they do.
This curiosity keeps them engaged and encourages them to listen actively to as many stakeholders as possible. But they remain critical of the source, accuracy, relevance, and practicality of the information they receive.
As they generate a viewpoint, they seek information that competes with their newfound perspective, which keeps them talking and listening to those with strong views.
Because they listen to as many experts and influencers as is reasonable, they often change their view as more information comes to light. They maintain the right to get smarter as they learn more. Yet, they refuse to create a position based upon compromise, average, and accommodation.
They don’t let the status of those they engage with influence their thinking any more than any other source. Their commitment to skepticism and objectivity reigns supreme.
The best leaders are detectives in search of an elusive truth.
Like detectives, they listen and learn from everyone, all the while suspecting that much of what they learn is incomplete, biased, and misleading. Their job is to get people talking and to reach a considered view.
They listen to everyone without listening to everyone.
A Daily Dispatch from the Front Lines of Leadership.
