What Many Leaders Assume

Picture this scenario: during a meeting, you notice Joe from Accounting fidgeting and avoiding eye contact, seemingly lost in thought. As a self-proclaimed mind reader, you might conclude that he is unhappy with the new project or your proposal. But what if Joe just had a rough night’s sleep?

New managers often feel compelled to master their mind-reading skills, as if they were attending a wizarding school. However, here's the reality: it's time to swap that wizard hat for practical leadership strategies.

Mid-Reading Your Team Can Lead To Confusion

Relying on your supposed mind-reading abilities to gauge your team's emotions and reactions can be detrimental. I learned this the hard way during my early management days, conjuring up elaborate narratives that often turned out to be inaccurate. This led to misunderstandings, a decline in team morale, and a realization that I needed the “patronus charm” of effective communication to navigate these challenges.

What to Do Instead

You might be thinking, "Wait, we're not actually wizards?!" Indeed, we’re just ordinary individuals equipped with a powerful tool: communication. This skill can significantly enhance your leadership effectiveness.

Engage in active listening and ask open-ended questions to foster a culture of trust and empathy. Encourage your team to express their thoughts openly without fear of judgment. Let’s explore a more effective approach, free from the confines of imaginary wizardry.

The first video, "I Am Going To Read Your Mind - Part 2," dives deeper into the challenges of mind reading and offers insights on effective communication strategies.

Break It Down

• Active Listening: In your next meeting, resist the urge to assume what Joe is thinking. Instead, concentrate on truly hearing his perspective. Reflect back on what you’ve understood to ensure clarity.
• Open Dialogue: Create an environment where team members feel safe to share their ideas and concerns. Sometimes, unconventional solutions, like hiring house elves, may even arise!
• Regular Feedback: Don’t wait for annual reviews to provide feedback. Frequent informal check-ins, recognition, and constructive criticism can strengthen relationships and clarify expectations.
• Observational Skills: Pay attention to your team’s behaviors, which can offer valuable insights. But remember, don’t jump to conclusions—ask questions to clarify any uncertainties.

Get Feedback From Your Team (Don't Make It Up)

As a novice leader, I made my share of mistakes. Relying solely on assumptions blinded me to critical insights from my team. Failing to hold regular feedback sessions led to misunderstandings that stunted growth.

One of my biggest blunders was not fostering an open communication environment. My initial team dynamic resembled a dungeon rather than a supportive space.

The Final Spell

Cast aside the idea of invisibility cloaks and recognize that effective leadership doesn't require mind-reading but rather strong communication skills, active listening, and genuine concern for your team’s well-being.

So, set down your wand, accept your human limitations, and remember: it's levi-O-sa, not levios-AH. The true magic lies in your ability to communicate, connect, and support your team.

You Got This

I am an NLP Coach and the author of "The Imposter Syndrome" available on Audible.

The second video, "Unlocking RTO Success: An All-in-One Guide to Vivacity's 8 Critical Drivers," provides insights into leadership and management strategies that emphasize communication and team collaboration.