The Art of Politely Telling

Understanding how the art of politely telling others can significantly enhance your leadership skills.

One of the skills I teach new managers is using Polite Directing when giving work assignments. Many new managers ask their team members- Will you do me a favor and take care of this task?  Asking gives the mistaken impression there is a choice to comply or not.  Politely Directing supercharges leadership messaging and eliminates confusing directions. The Art of Politely Telling is essential for clear communication. 

WRONG Asking Will you do this for me?

RIGHT

What I need you to please do is ___________, Thank you  This phrase highlights The Art of Politely Telling.

The difference seems small, but delivers an IMMENSE improvement.  As the leader, I did not need permission to assign reasonable tasks while I did need to treat my team with respect and dignity.  Politely directing finds the common ground between courtesy and direction.  Without the polite please and thank you, the directing statement alone is harsh.

The key phrase that signals you are giving a direction is What I need you to please do is ________, Thank you. This method is integral to The Art of Politely Telling.

Other phrases like I would like you to please… or It’s time for you to please… are also effective.  

Learning the art of politely directing is a light switch moment for new managers. Transitioning to directing from asking, empowers leaders while their team realizes,: this person is leading me with The Art of Politely Telling. 

What Great Leaders Know

The Art of Politely Telling.

Directing is not asking if the employee wants to

Politely Telling is an effective method of assigning tasks

The key phrase in Politely Telling is I need you to please

Links

https://whatgreatleadersknow.com

https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/9186-leadership-language.html