Today’s guest blog is from People 2.0, a premier global contingent workforce deployment platform and full-service business process outsourcing (BPO) provider for the staffing and recruiting industry. People 2.0 offers comprehensive back-office support and a complete employer of record (EOR)/agent or record (AOR) platform—empowering individuals and organizations to focus on growing their business and placing top talent.
As a leader, have you unleashed the power of yes with your team? In particular, are you offering unequivocal “yeses” as often as possible? Every leader or manager knows that saying “yes” to an idea, proposal, or request can positively impact morale, engagement, and performance. The power of a “yes” is that it encourages more problem-solving, initiative, and proactivity in a team and among team members.
Unfortunately, many leaders are sabotaging or minimizing the impact of a “yes” by using phrases such as:
- “Yes, this is good and we should also…”
- “Yes, I like it. But, could you also…”
- “Yes and I would suggest that we…”
- “Yes, but first…”
Is Your “Yes” Qualified or Unequivocal?
While the above forms of “yes” are still positive (and have their place in the language of leadership), they are also a form of yes with diluted or diminished impact. When a leader adds a term or condition to their “yes” they are saying to the team or team member that the proposal or idea isn’t good enough to be implemented as it is. Or, at least not good enough yet. Or, that it could be much better. This “qualified yes” can be disheartening and can decrease motivation and commitment.
Of course, there are times when the “qualified yes” is the smart choice. As long as it is a choice and not a habit. If you constantly, habitually, or unintentionally qualify all of your positive responses, you may be missing out on the power of the “unequivocal yes.”
One of the consistent “engaging behaviors” is the “unequivocal yes.” A “yes” with no conditions, no added value, no tweaks or adjustments. A “yes” that says to the employee or team “I trust you.” These “yeses” sound like:
- “Yes, go for it!”
- “I like it. Make it happen.”
- “Great idea. Let’s do it.”
Think about it. Wouldn’t you feel great if your leader simply said “yes” to your next idea, proposal, or initiative? As a leader, ask yourself if you are using this simple engagement technique as often as you could. Or, out of habit, do you qualify most, if not all, of your “yeses?” Unleash the power of the “unequivocal yes!”
Interested in learning other communication strategies to improve connections? Join People 2.0 on Monday, 9/24 at 1 PM EST / 12 PM CST for our free webinar, “Crucial Conversation Tactics for Recruiters.” In this 60-minute presentation, communication-skills expert Pamela Jett will show you how to enhance your conversation skills, navigate tough interactions, and leverage conversations as opportunities to move relationships forward, as well as answer any questions you may have on the topic.