8/23/2021
How Leaders Can Answer Difficult Questions with Authenticity | Jimmy Lustig | Denver, Colorado
a How Leaders Can Answer Difficult Questions with Authenticity
A big responsibility any leader has is to be able to face a room full of people and answer difficult questions. It is not an easy task by any means, but one that must be done in the right way. The manner in which a leader responds to tough questions will go a long way in determining how they are perceived by the people they are leading. Answering questions authentically will make those who are listening to the questions more confident in following the leader. By using inauthentic language or being non-transparent, a leader invites discord and chaos. There are many ways for people in charge to ensure that they have authentic answers to difficult questions.
UNDE R S T A N D WHY YOU ARE BEI NG ASKED T H E Q U E STION Difficult questions always come from somewhere. When a leader gets one of these questions, it’s important that they take a step back and consider where the query came from. Is the individual asking the question out of fear? Are they asking it because of a rumor that is floating around the workplace? Understanding where a question came from https://jimmylustig.com/how-leaders-can-answer-difficult-questions-with-authenticity/
1/4
8/23/2021
How Leaders Can Answer Difficult Questions with Authenticity | Jimmy Lustig | Denver, Colorado
will help any person answer it authentically. It can also show folks that their leadership is compassionate enough to want to see their point of view.
PRACT I C E C O L L ABORATION Every leader gets asked a question that they may not be able to answer completely. In that situation, it may be a good tactic to admit that fact and seek answers from those asking questions. It is authentic and genuine to seek out collaboration to solve a problem. Those asking the question may appreciate that their input is being requested. The resulting dialogue may also open up the leader to thinking of answers they hadn’t considered before.
NEVE R T A K E A N YTHING PERSO N A L L Y There is no doubt that difficult questions can get emotional. Someone who is asking a tough question may be filled with a variety of powerful emotions. Some of this may end up directed at the leader. It is natural that a leader may feel the desire to become defensive. Fight this urge. A leader should be compassionate and provide the answers they can. Leaders should remember that the emotions expressed are not about them.
BE TH E R I G H T A M OUNT OF TRANS P A R E N T When answering difficult questions, leaders should freely admit that they don’t know the answer if that is the case. It’s important that they also ask follow-up questions to ensure they get the right answer, as well as including a timeline as to when they can get the answer. Also, leaders should be transparent but should refrain from delving too deeply into topics that don’t have a lot of answers attached to them.
PRACT I C E B E I N G SPECIFIC In all cases, a leader should be specific. If a leader needs to ask questions themselves to get answers for those who seek them, they should let everyone know who they will talk to in search of those answers and when they plan on getting them. Leadership should always be sure to meet the deadlines they have set, so people know their questions were heard.
AUTH E N T I C I T Y LEADS TO GRAT I T U D E It is only natural that people with questions will appreciate authenticity from leaders. Leadership should always commit to a high standard of authenticity so they can ensure that they have a workplace filled with trust and harmony.
https://jimmylustig.com/how-leaders-can-answer-difficult-questions-with-authenticity/
2/4
8/23/2021
How Leaders Can Answer Difficult Questions with Authenticity | Jimmy Lustig | Denver, Colorado
Search
Recent Posts Transitioning From a Solo Business Owner to a Leadership Position How Leaders Can Answer Difficult Questions with Authenticity Giving Effective Feedback to Employees Tips on Becoming a Better Manager Making the Most of Your Job Advertisements
Archives August 2021 July 2021 May 2021 April 2021 March 2021 February 2021 January 2021 December 2020 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 https://jimmylustig.com/how-leaders-can-answer-difficult-questions-with-authenticity/
3/4
8/23/2021
How Leaders Can Answer Difficult Questions with Authenticity | Jimmy Lustig | Denver, Colorado
June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018
Categories Blog James Lustig Jimmy Lustig Leadership Uncategorized
Meta Site Admin Log out Entries feed Comments feed WordPress.org
Copyright © Jimmy Lustig · 2018
https://jimmylustig.com/how-leaders-can-answer-difficult-questions-with-authenticity/
4/4