How to get your team to share concerns

Short answer: say “What's one part of this plan that worries you?”

DON'T SAY
“Any questions? No? Great.”
SAY THIS
“What's one part of this plan that worries you?”
A specific prompt surfaces concerns people won't volunteer.

When to use it

Use it at the end of a plan or announcement. A specific question that assumes concerns exist gets real answers. Most people won't speak up in response to “Any questions?” especially in a group.

Example

You: “What's one part of this plan that worries you?”

Teammate: “The timeline for testing seems short.”

You: “Good. Let's look at that.”

In an email or Slack message

For people who won't speak up in a group, add a written option: “If you'd rather share concerns privately, reply to me directly by Friday.”

Quick drill

When you need to pass on a decision made above you that your team may not like.

Which sounds more confident?

Practice 10 more →

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