Silence with attention is powerful

It's uncomfortable when your team members don't talk about their career expectations or their feelings. Yes, it is! But I invite you to look inside your leadership model. Do you listen to them when they talk with you? Do you give space for silence between the questions to allow the other person to think and give you an answer back?

Many leaders are afraid of silence, and it is wrong. It's okay; silence helps the other person think, and it shows that you invite them to talk because you want to listen to them. Silence, combined with attention, is powerful.

In the next 1:1 meetings, I invite you to remember to open space for silence after you ask a question. I know it may be uncomfortable for you, but this time can be when your team members are preparing to talk about something important to them, such as their feelings or expectations.

So, listen. Allow for moments of silence after your questions.