Mother May I? The Business Version.

When people feel they (or their ideas) are being challenged or attacked,

Higher level thinking shuts down because we go into fight or flight mode. 🤯

We can't help it, it's how we are wired. 🤷‍♀️

Even when everyone has good intentions, this happens a lot in the workplace.

Especially when big picture people (like the Owner/CEO) are sharing new ideas with detail people (like the COO/Second-in-Command).

The results:

👎Hard feelings

👎Reduced performance

👎Sometimes even cliques

A quick fix 💡

Ask for permission before asking questions.

✅ I'd like to make sure I really understand your idea, is it ok if I ask a few clarifying questions?

✅ To make sure I get this right, can I ask you a few questions before getting started?  

✅ Interesting! You've probably been thinking about this for a while, is it ok if I ask some questions to catch up?

✅ I'd love to explore this idea further, is it ok if I ask some questions?

Usually the answer will be yes.

Sometimes it will be can we do it later.  

Because you are going to invite them to talk about their idea, it will rarely be no.  

If that does happen, there is likely a bigger issue at play.