Lee explores the difference between getting by and getting better in business. He emphasises the importance of asking the right questions to promote continuous improvement and challenges leaders to reflect on the questions they ask their teams. Lee discusses the three key factors to consider when asking questions: the type of question, the environment in which it is asked, and the person being asked. He provides examples of questions that promote getting by versus getting better and encourages leaders to engage the minds of their team members by asking open-ended and expansive questions. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The questions we ask as leaders can either hinder or promote continuous improvement. It is important to ask better questions that encourage deeper thinking and generate more ideas from our teams.
• The type of question we ask is crucial. Instead of asking closed-ended questions that elicit simple yes or no answers, we should ask open-ended questions that start with "what" or "how" to encourage more expansive thinking and tap into the memory of our people.
• The environment in which we ask questions is also important. It should be a safe and trusting environment where people feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas without fear of being chastised or blamed.
• Engaging the minds of our people is essential for creating an engaged team. By asking better questions and actively listening to their responses, we can understand what gets in their way and take action to help them improve.
• Continuous improvement requires more than just going through the motions of daily meetings. Leaders should focus on extracting valuable insights and ideas from their teams by asking better questions and creating a culture of continuous improvement.

BEST MOMENTS

"I've come to the realisation that actually, as leaders, the questions that you ask may be preventing and stifling you from getting better." 

"We want to promote a level of thinking that taps into the memory of our people. We don't just want front-of-mind and in-moment answers." 

"What happened yesterday that may have caused a safety issue? You're then promoting thinking and getting people to think about all of the near misses, all of the opportunities that may have caused a safety issue." 

"Are you OK? How are you feeling? It opens the mind and allows you to understand the things that are getting in people's way and then allowing you to then get better." 

"Don't just assume that just having a daily meeting and going through the motions of the topics that you believe are the right ones to talk about. Don't just go through the motions and ask everybody, have they had a safe day?" 

Business Problems Solved Podcast

You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194 [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/

For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.

Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.