Your team should tell you that you’re wrong.

Your team should tell you that you’re wrong.

Insight from Jade Rubick

Your team is lying to you, but it’s not their fault.

It’s natural for your reports to agree with your ideas. Speaking up, especially to your manager, is uncomfortable.

If you’ve ever been promoted and your new team starts saying that all your ideas are BRILLIANT, you know what I mean.

But it also means you’re missing out. Your team should be making your ideas better.

They have to be able to push back and argue against you. 

It’s your job to create the environment where this can happen.

Here’s how to do it with one simple reframe:

Next time you present a plan or idea in a team meeting, don’t ask, “So that’s the idea. Anyone have something different?” Set time aside for a discussion around: “What is the best argument against doing it this way?”

Specifically ask your team to play the contrarian, and make time to do so. This allows your team to present ideas and arguments without fear of being misread.

You’ll spot holes in your plans, you earn trust, and your team gets a chance to practice speaking up. 

Everybody wins.

Learn more: Innovation in Leadership: 5 Ways To Boost Creativity and Drive Team Growth