“Every manager of metrics has an opportunity to become a leader of people.” – Simon Sinek

Yes! I saw this quote and whole-heartedly agree. I always say: we manage data and resources; we lead people.
But how? That is the question I’m most often asked.
Let me share with you how you go from managing metrics to leading people. It’s simple. It requires conversation. And not just any conversation. Intentional, impactful conversation. Why? Because people communicate and learn through verbally talking.
What does that sound like? Let’s take a look at four questions* that will transform you from manager to leader.

What happened?
What caused it to happen that way?
What can you learn from this?
What are you going to do differently next time?

And remember, every great conversation includes probing.

And?
What else?
Tell me more.
Go on.

Complete a thought exercise with me to learn how to do this. Do not rush this exercise. Imagine truly having a conversation with me.

Choose a metric goal you had this week (# of sales calls you wanted to make, $ you wanted to bring in, % of gain to the bottom line you wanted to make, customer SAT score, etc.)
Tell me what happened…And?
What caused it to happen that way?…What else?…What else?
What can you learn from this?…Tell me more…Go on
What are you going to do differently next time?

Helpful wasn’t it? You see each question utilizes a different part of your brain causing you to see the experience more fully, better learn from it, and form corrective or repetitive steps to achieve your metrics.
The metrics don’t change; they are what they are.
People do change; they grow and develop when someone helps them. That’s leadership.
Lead your people today with this one simple conversational tool.