Ask, Don’t Assume

I’m always amazed at how many leaders think they know what the people they serve want, need, or motivates them. In fact I discuss a lot that we need to ask not guess. Many times providing the wrong things is worse than nothing at all because it proves you have not taken the time to get to know those you serve, or their needs. Ken Blanchard reminded us of this when he said, “Motivate your people in an effective and personal way” (p. 43). Loving those we serve is all about personalizing for each person’s needs.
In Simple Truth #15, “Never Assume You Know What Motivates A Person”, in Simple Truths of Leadership: 52 Ways To Be A Servant Leader and Build Trust, Making Common Sense Common Practice by Ken Blanchard and Randy Conley we learned that “The reality is that people have personal reasons for what motivates them” (p. 43). If we are serious about building relationships, ask, don’t assume
leave a comment