JS Tip 549: A Follow-up to the Leadership Test

Last week, we talked of Dana Brownlee’s five-question test for leaders. (You can access last week’s tip—and all of our tips, for that matter—at our website:www.jeffsmith.com.)

One of Brownlee’s questions was, “Has anyone on your team criticized one of your ideas in the past month?” 

Some readers asked for more clarity. We agree. 

“Criticized” might better have been “questioned,” and she might have added, “with you”:

Has anyone on your team questioned one of your ideas with you in the past month?

But what are the deeper implications of the question?

The open flow of communication. The value of dissent. Dissenting ideas are not insubordinate ideas. Dissent adds strength.

Leaders must seek out countering ideas. “Does this make sense?” “What’s wrong with this plan?” “What haven’t we addressed?” “Please. I want your contrary ideas.”

Does the situation remind you of Hans Christian Andersen’s story of “The Emperor’s New Clothes”? Yes. We thought so, too.  

Someone wise once said, “If everyone is thinking alike, then no one is thinking”

We love this stuff.