Don't ask - you may get it

I almost never ask for opinions. Why? I just may get one.

Let me be clear: it's not that I am not open to criticism...quite the opposite actually. It's not that I don't want to grow, it's not that I don't value others, it's not that I'm insecure. I am fortunate to be married to a wife that knows my everything and I trust her opinion deeply. The fact that she's a musician is even better for me, for I can trust her musical instincts too.

But here's what I would guard against, leaders. Don't do something, start an initiative, do something new, initiate change and then ask blindly "so, what do you think?" You just may get a misleading opinion that could change your mind - even when you're on the right track!

for example:

Let's say you are going on a first date and you want to take the person to the best steak dinner in the city. Like, $200 a plate dinner. Best cut of meat, sides are on point, you're singing Glory Glory Hallelujah with every bite. The only problem is your noticing your date is unhappy.

"What's wrong," you ask.

"Nothing," is the reply.

"But you're not eating"

"Because I hate the dinner. I can't eat this crap."

Whoa...what just happened??!? You planned. You're at the best place in town. You're even dressed great and the waiter said this was the best thing on the menu. So what just happened?

You found out your date is a vegan. THEY DON'T EAT MEAT.

What's my point? How many times have you prayed, planned, sought council, etc. on something you plan on doing then get feedback of 'I didn't like it'? So what! I am frequently in meetings with people about music - yet I'm the only person in the room with a music degree. So I don't discount other people's opinion, but I qualify it. I have to make sure the advice I'm getting is matching apples to apples not matching a steak to a vegetarian.

The leadership point of the day is embrace and expect people to dislike change. Their dislike is something you'll need to work through. Doesn't always mean you're wrong. Don't take the negative opinions of others to mean you're not on the right track. You may not be talking about the same thing!

It just may mean you'll need to go to a different restaurant.