Leading with Gratitude Ch 10

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Questions and Answers

What does the phrase 'assume positive intent' mean in the context of leadership?

Thinking that mistakes are intentional acts of undermining authority.

Assuming that employees are often careless and indifferent.

Understanding that employees generally try to do their best. (correct)

Believing that employees deserve no trust until proven otherwise.

What can negatively affect employee performance according to the described leadership approach?

Inadequate training and lack of proper tools. (correct)

Failure to meet sales targets.

Hostility in workplace relationships.

Lack of motivation among workers.

What is a common misconception that some leaders have about their employees?

Employees usually arrive at work intending to fail. (correct)

Employees make mistakes to undermine leadership.

Employees are always focused on their personal interests.

Employees are not interested in career growth.

What does Indra Nooyi imply about the way leaders should deal with mistakes made by employees?

Leaders should consider the possibility of errors being due to external factors. Signup and view all the answers

What emotional response can assuming negative intent lead to in leaders?

Feelings of anger or annoyance towards employees. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common consequence of a culture of low trust in the workplace?

Difficulty in addressing problems Signup and view all the answers

What mindset should leaders adopt when an employee admits to a mistake?

To view it as a teaching opportunity Signup and view all the answers

What does Chad Pennington suggest is necessary to understand true success?

Experiencing failure to appreciate success Signup and view all the answers

What initial reaction should a leader avoid when informed about a mistake?

Rush to send a digital message Signup and view all the answers

What outcome does Garry Ridge promote regarding mistakes in the workplace?

Mistakes should be openly shared as learning moments Signup and view all the answers

What was Jasmine's main issue after being promoted to a coordinator role?

She was overwhelmed by taking on too many tasks. Signup and view all the answers

How did Lynn Carnes' perception change during her encounter at the airport?

She learned to appreciate the struggles of others. Signup and view all the answers

What lesson did the executive learn when they coached Jasmine?

To assume positive intent and understand the situation. Signup and view all the answers

What approach did Lynn Carnes eventually adopt regarding her team's core values?

Embrace a value of assuming positive intent. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor can hinder employee performance according to the content?

Lack of proper tools and training. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Leader's Assumptions

Leaders often assume negative intent when employees make mistakes.
They may believe employees are careless, not applying themselves, or lack intelligence.
Some leaders even assume malicious intent behind the mistakes.

Employee Perspectives

Employees typically care about their work and aim to do a good job.
Their performance can be affected by factors outside their control, such as lack of tools, training, or clear direction.

Assuming Positive Intent

Indra Nooyi (retired CEO of PepsiCo) recommends assuming positive intent when addressing problems.
This encourages a different approach to individuals and problems.
Hubert Joly (Executive Chairman of Best Buy) emphasizes assuming employees are trying their best.

Countering Negative Intent

While some employees may deliberately deceive or manipulate, it's beneficial to start with the assumption of positive intent.
Even employees who make mistakes often have understandable reasons.
Positive leadership can inspire change in employees with negative characteristics.

Learning from Mistakes

Leaders should encourage employees to admit shortcomings.
Mistakes can be opportunities for teaching and improvement, rather than punishment.
Open communication about mistakes helps identify problems early.

Impact of Low Trust

Cultures lacking trust create negative environments that hinder productivity and innovation.
Employees fear repercussions and may not openly report problems.

Embracing Failure

Chad Pennington (former NFL quarterback) emphasizes the importance of learning from failures.
Successful individuals often acknowledge their failures as stepping stones.
Garry Ridge (CEO of WD-40) encourages viewing mistakes as "learning moments".

Positive Thinking and Outcomes

Gail Miller (chair of the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies) believes positive thinking promotes problem-solving and leads to positive outcomes.

Coaching Steps for Leaders

Leaders should address problems personally (phone or in-person) to understand the situation.
Gather all facts before making decisions and to avoid jumping to conclusions.
Focus on future solutions (e.g., "What could we do differently in the future?").
Maintain positive communication and avoid passive-aggressive language.

Case Study: Jasmine

Jasmine, a newly promoted coordinator, was overwhelmed with tasks and missed deadlines.
The executive team initially believed she lacked competence.
A leader, coached on positive intent, discovered Jasmine was overextended and lacked guidance.
Jasmine was mentored and improved her performance.

Shifting Perspective

Many people are conditioned to assume negative intent.
This can lead to a negative outlook on work and personal life.
It's important to recognize the good in people and understand their struggles.

Learning from Experience

Lynn Carnes, an executive coach, shifted her perspective after an encounter with a struggling mother in an airport.
She realized her previous negativity was a self-protective mechanism.
Assuming positive intent changed her career and life.

Final Takeaway

Assuming positive intent can create a more pleasant work environment.
It fosters growth and development in employees.

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Description

Explore the dynamics of leadership assumptions regarding employee intent. This quiz delves into the importance of assuming positive intent and how it influences workplace relationships and performance. Learn from industry leaders like Indra Nooyi and Hubert Joly about fostering a supportive work environment.