Questions

"He who asks is a fool for five minutes, but he who does not ask is a fool for ever."

(Chinese proverb)

It is interesting how quickly we tire of a child asking questions. I always know when that is happening to me. I tend to answer “because” or “I said so”. How much opportunity for developing a relationship and deeper understanding do I lose when that is my response to a curious question?

I am frequently amazed at the information I can learn by asking a few questions and then listening to the answers and responses. At times I become impatient and do not allow adequate time for the response to my question. When I do not listen, I do not learn. When I do not learn it is difficult to understand. To build a culture of inquiry and learning, we must learn to ask the probing questions and have the patience to hear and really listen to the answer.

As you reflect on the culture of your family and your family business, are you open to the difficult questions? Are you willing to listen to the answers?

How are we teaching the next generation to ask good questions?

What questions does your business family avoid?

How does your business family nurture questions for understanding?

“Judge a man by his questions, not by his answers.”
Voltaire

What are your questions?

When Does Perception Become Reality?

Perception is Reality

Perception as defined by Webster is impressions, powers of observation and interpretation.

Perceptions develop as a result of a complex combination of factors including concrete experiences, cultural beliefs, and social influences. Perceptions are often treated as “the truth” from those who hold them, even if the perception is inaccurate, therefore making them very powerful. Perceptions can be changed, although not easily, through honest dialogue and changed behaviors.

How important and critical is this for a leader, manager, and family member to understand?

By growing stronger in the areas of your proficiency and passion, you help the family and the business you are serving to be healthy and effective. Being aware of blind spots helps you to avoid costly and needless mistakes that can harm the family and the business. We all have areas in our lives where improvement is needed. Without transparency and humility on your part, and honesty and integrity on the part of others who evaluate you, your strengths are likely to fall short of their highest potential and your weaknesses will undoubtedly hinder you.

Without feedback, we never really know how we are doing and are left to make our own assessment and interpretation. Such ambiguity can create stress and often results in discouragement and pain. Some people overestimate their performances and the appropriateness of their behaviors. Others underestimate how they are doing and wonder if they are failing.

What is it we don't know or can't see? What areas of our lives are we blind to but that others can see? When such areas have the potential or seriously begin to hinder us personally or relationally, and/or have a negative impact on others, we need to consider change.

However, perceptions do have their limitations. Perceptions are simply cognitive pictures that are stored in the brain. Honest input from others can affirm a leader’s strengths and gifts and confront a leader’s weaknesses and gaps.

There is a way to gain an understanding of perceptions others have of us in our business, family, and organizations. I am excited to share with you The Leader 360.

The Leadership 360 has significant value over other types of assessment instruments because it provides the recipient with perceptions from others who have actually observed them in the context of real-life.

A Leader should reflect upon the feedback and determine if changes are appropriate. Because it is sometimes hard to make sense of conflicting feedback and because evaluators are also often blind to their own weaknesses when providing feedback, Leaders need to utilize the counsel of other wise individuals.

If you would like to learn more about the Leader 360, contact me or call my office and request a copy of Frequently Asked Questions.

Perception is Reality - Is Perception Reality in a Family Business?

I am delighted and excited for the upcoming virtual on-line seminar with a good friend, Jay Desko. This seminar is scheduled for Thursday October 20, at 11:00 AM EDT. Jay and I have worked together in an academic environment, consulting to clients, and in our church.

This seminar, ‘Perception is Reality – Is Perception Reality in a Family Business?’ takes an in-depth look at understanding how perceptions can influence our relationships, performance, and the family business. It is important to understand that perceptions develop as a result of a complex combination of factors including concrete experiences, cultural beliefs, and family and social influences. Perceptions are often treated as “the truth” from those who hold them, even if the perception is inaccurate, therefore making them very powerful. Perceptions can be changed, although not easily, through honest dialogue and changed behaviors.

“There is a way to gain an understanding of perceptions others have of us in our family, business, and organizations.”

Jay and I will explore how a 360-review system can support the development of an individual, the family, and the business. Jay is the Executive Director of the Center for Ministry Advancement and serves on the Senior Leadership Team at Calvary Church in Souderton, PA. He holds a B.S. in Bible, and M.Ed. in Instructional Systems, and a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Leadership. Jay brings experience in the areas of organizational assessment, leadership coaching, decision-making, strategic improvement and board development.

For more information, please contact me at skmoyer@comcast.net

Registration for the On-Line Educational Seminar is available at:

www.netfamilybusiness.com