Processing out loud

I've presented a lot of ideas in a lot of rooms, and for most of my career it went the same way. I heard every question as a verdict.

Someone wanted more evidence. What I heard was: I don't believe you.

If they wanted to know who owned the plan and when it would start, what I heard was: I don't think this is going to happen.

And when they asked how it would affect the people who had to deliver it, I heard: You haven't thought about anyone but yourself.

It took me years to notice that the same people were asking the same questions about every idea - including their own.

A question isn't always a verdict. It's often just someone processing out loud.

• Analytical thinkers: Is it true?
• Logistical thinkers: How does this get done?
• Conceptual thinkers: Is there another way?
• Relational thinkers: How will this affect people?

The question someone asks can tell you how they think, not what they think of you.

Gregor

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