So, why are there two parts to a thought, anyway? Well, the goal of the exchange is to uncover what really matters most to participants. A big part of that is to also uncover the underlying issue or motive for your thought. Dr. Phil (one of Joe’s favourite TV personalities) has said that it’s important to discuss issues and not fight over topics. We agree.
And that’s why there are two parts to a thought in the Share Thoughts step: your thought and why it’s important.
Let’s break it down with a couple of examples of this in action:
|
Thought |
Same Thought, With the “Why” |
Leader Insight |
|
|
Education |
We need to improve the parking area. |
We need to improve the parking area. The drop-off zone isn’t large enough so cars are lined up out onto Main Street and children are hopping out of cars. This is unsafe. |
It doesn’t sound like we need a bigger parking lot. What I’m hearing is that we need a more efficient drop off line. |
|
Non-education |
We need weekly meetings. |
We need weekly meetings. I’m feeling disconnected and don’t understand how my role plays into the bigger strategy. |
We've tried weekly meetings; they’re not an efficient use of our time. What I’m hearing is that the team is feeling disconnected. As a result, I’m going to double down on an open door policy, or talking about big picture at team meetings, etc. |
Sharing your thought and why you think it’s important is going to equip other participants to understand (and relate to) your thought. As the exchange leader, it’s of far greater value to have an issue fully identified so it can be addressed, rather than working to resolve symptoms without addressing the larger problem - or even knowing it exists.