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Women are often better at getting employee buy in because we are willing to listen and collaborate on decisions. Use this strength to be a better leader.

83. Ask your employees for opinions, but always let them know your justification if you do not implement their ideas.

Try to be nice and see what you get!   (heavy sigh)

Women are

adept at being inclusive and soliciting opinions of others. This does not necessarily undermine our authority; in fact it reflects an openness to incorporate others.

Despite your good measures, there will be times it backfires. A common pitfall is asking someone his opinion. Translated, he interprets it as invitation to influence the outcome of a decision.

If you do ask someone for his opinion, be sure to position it. Continue to ask for opinions, but use helpful statements like:

I want your opinion because I am trying to see what the majority position is.

I want your opinion because I am simply looking for ideas.

I want your opinion and it may or may not have an impact on the outcome. I don’t know yet.

84. Involve your employees in daily decisions.
 

In a staff meeting, ask the question “What does success look like?”

This is a kickoff to excellent brainstorming, where there are no wrong answers. Let people get a little crazy in their responses.

Even if you don’t have employees, this is a terrific question for visualizing achievement.