Responsive Leading

Responsive Leading – Responsive leading should not be misconstrued as reactive leading. It is not. The two are completely different. Reactive leading is leading after an event or series of events has led to a particular situation. The situation has caused you to change leadership practices. Responsive leading on the other hand is leading subjects from the point of his/her knowledge and understanding to a discovery learning experience.

Too often we are preparing our response before listening to the full disclosure from our inquirer. A good leader does not jump in and begin responding until he knows his subject has fully expounded her inquiry. A wise leader may sit quietly allowing his facial expression and body language to speak for him telling his inquirer, “Yes, I am listening, I am interested…” Once his subject has finished, a wise leader does not necessarily rush into a premeditated answer that he has been plotting while his inquirer was speaking.

At this point it is wise to take a few seconds, gather your thoughts, ponder what was spoken as well as what was communicated through body language, voice tone and inflection, and eye contact. The best response is always one that will lead the inquirer in a discovery learning experience. Often, the best first response from the leader is to ask a question. This question can be critical to the outcome of the conversation. This first question may be for clarification of the need or inquiry. Even if the leader is confident of what the inquirer is asking or divulging, it is never a bad idea to ask for clarification. “So, if I am hearing you correctly, you believe we should…Is this correct?” This question can assist the inquirer in reviewing and summarizing her thoughts.

From here the leader can begin formulating a response to assist the inquirer in the discovery learning experience be it for herself or something to aid the organization in general.

Chapter two of Turnaround Journey gives an example of Responsive Leading. Be certain to read Turnaround Journey and observe how Pastor Tim Farling uses Responsive Leading. In this one scenario one of Pastor Tim’s staff leaders asks for clarification of an assignment. Tim takes a few seconds to gather his thoughts. Then, he first recognizes Roger’s work and shows appreciation for this work. Following this, Tim does not immediately pose a question that might put Roger on the defense. Instead, Tim says, “Let’s think through this a little more and maybe I can clarify my desire.” Notice Tim places himself in the boat with Roger. He begins his response with “Let’s” expressing his desire to walk through this together. Now Tim is ready to assist Roger in a discovery learning experience using a powerful tool of leadership – questions. Also, since Roger has not been put on the defensive, he is ready and eager to learn. His mind is not building a defense or meditating on a prescribed answer. Instead, Roger is ready and willing with an open mind to discuss the potential and possibilities of the query at hand.

Again, take notice of the questions Pastor Tim proposes. They are formulated to not put Roger on the defensive, but to lead him in discovery.

Responsive leading is effective when deployed with the intent of assisting the inquirer in discovery learning. Pacing your response as a leader and formulating the right types of questions is very valuable in the learning process. Will your inquirer learn more from a patient, listening, leader or from one who interrupts, cuts off, and interjects before hearing the full inquiry? Perhaps it is good to practice the golden rule here. You like to be heard and you expect to be heard in full, do you not? Do those subject to your leadership deserve the same respect and hearing?

Practice responsive leading with those subject to your leadership. You’ll see greater team effort both in private team meetings and in the public venue where you serve. Responsive leading – listen to the full inquiry without fabricating your response while your subject is still speaking. Pause, think through what has been shared, then phrase your response as one with you in the same boat rowing together with your inquirer as a team effort – let’s find the solution together.

For more information on Responsive Leading contact George Yates and visit SonC.A.R.E. Ministries at http://soncare.net

Order your pre-release copy of Turnaround Journey by visiting soncare.net/turnaroundjourney