3 Lessons for Saying Less and Learning More

We all love giving advice! Wanting to help others and show our value is ingrained in us from an early age, and many leaders find themselves naturally defaulting to providing advice and answers to their team. But when giving advice is always your default, it can actually hurt your team by crushing curiosity, spreading disconnection, and preventing them from finding their own productive outcomes.

To change your leadership and shift away from your default, there’s a simple solution: curiosity! With more curiosity, you can you can engage your people, boost morale and retention, and create a thriving organization.

Creating More Curiosity, Insight #1: Slow Down

Giving a quick answer can feel very satisfying, and it makes us feel good when we’re the first person to provide a solution. But remember: the first solution might not always be the best one. To ensure you’re finding the right solutions, slow down. Shift away from jumping to giving an answer or advice right away, and allow time instead of curious conversations.

Creating More Curiosity, Insight #2: Ask Curious Questions

Instead of defaulting right to giving advice, practice asking curious questions. For example, if a team member is underperforming, don’t jump to judgmental questions like “why did you do this?” Instead, have authentic conversations. Look for the root cause of issues. Ask curious questions to find deeper, more meaningful solutions—and you’ll strengthen your connection with your team in the process.

Creating More Curiosity, Insight #3: Give Yourself Grace

Growing your curiosity is a skill. It can take time to find the best ways to use curiosity, and shifting your mindset isn’t necessarily something that happens overnight. While your build your curiosity and practice new habits, be patient with yourself. Give yourself grace as you learn and grow.

Learn More on the Podcast

These are just a few of the great lessons you can hear in a recent episode of Mindfulness Manufacturing, featuring special guest Michael Bungay Stainer (MBS).

MBS is the bestselling author of books like The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More, & Change the Way You Lead Forever and The Advice Trap: Be Humble, Stay Curious, & Change the Way You Lead Forever. In his episode, MBS shares insights and lessons from his books, and offers more great tips on building curiosity, shifting your mindset, and changing the way you show up from your team.

You can listen to MBS on the Mindfulness Manufacturing podcast here.

Mindfulness Manufacturing

Our show is about providing listeners with real stories that come from a place of experience, transparency, and authenticity. Most importantly it’s about what we learn from these stories and applying Mindfulness in our everyday work and personal lives.
Our intention is to create an environment where people can learn through open honest discussions on how we apply Mindfulness. Although our experiences and stories come from time in a manufacturing environment hence the title “Mindfulness Manufacturing”, we still see our discussions and topics relatable to any organization or profession.

What’s the secret to retaining your team members and creating an organization where people love to work? DigiKey, an electronic component manufacturing organization in Thief River Falls, Minnesota has it all figured out—and Shane Zutz, DigiKey’s vice president of human resources, is here to share the stories and insights behind DigiKey’s success!

In this episode, Shane shares stories highlighting the importance of curiosity, empathy, and leadership presence, and offers simple-yet-powerful strategies manufacturing leaders can put into action to build trust, accountability, and stronger connections at their own plant.

5:12 – Building a better organization starts with being present and making personal connections

8:13 – If your organization is in a small community, making personal connections is extremely important

9:00 – To find curious ways to engage your team, one strategy is to create a list of questions to ask

13:30 – With a strong foundation, you’ll be better equipped to tackle challenges or crises

15:11 – There is a lot of value in simple gestures, like greeting your team in the morning

18:12 – Personalization goes a long way

22:41 Show care and concern for your team members

Connect with Shane Zutz

Learn more about Digikey

Connect with Shane on LinkedIn and reach out to get added to his newsletter

Thanks for Listening!

Thanks for tuning it to another episode of Mindfulness Manufacturing! To learn more about Trevor Blondeel and Manufacturing Greatness, please visit our website or contact Trevor here.