Leadership requires a delicate balance when a company’s basic plans and ideas are being challenged by those who might disagree or believe they have a better idea. People are always going to challenge your plan, or new product idea, or whatever it is you are selling. So be prepared for it.
Outsiders often want to manipulate the plan to their advantage, or for all the right reasons, want to change the plan based on their life experiences. Often times people want to put their own mark on the plan much like a dog marks its territory on a tree.
The leader must listen intently because it might be more than someone putting their own twist on an idea. The suggested idea might be a brilliant new breakthrough thought, and you of course wouldn’t want to lose out on brilliant new direction. However, most often that is not the case. Most often you have done your homework and you should stick with your plan and not immediately abandon your beliefs.
When people, especially powerful people, see the leader waver in their commitment to a product idea, business plan, proposal, etc. they are like sharks in the water that have tasted blood. They will go for your jugular and manipulate the system, and in the process, your best laid plans and dreams.
The smart leader listens intently and then verbally acknowledges the suggestion. “We could do that. We could make that change.” You have now validated the other person’s suggestion and you let them know you heard them and you respect what they said. “Let me tell you why we did it this way.” And then, because you prepared, lay out the strongest possible case for why you proposed what you did.
And if you’ve prepared and done your homework, you should be able to make a compelling case for your way.
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