ARTICLES
& REPORTS
Personal
Creativity
- P e r s o n a l _ C r e a t i v i t y -
At What Level Should I Respond When Someone Asks Me a Question?
by Hank Moore
1. Answers to Questions. There are 7 levels of answers which may be given, depending upon how extensive one wants:
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-Easy and Obvious Ones
-Knee-Jerk Reactions
-Politically Correct
-What People Want to Hear
-Factual and Complete Explanations
-Answer That Get Them Thinking Further
-Deep Wisdom
2. Observations on Situations. These take the forms of "When this happened to me, I did X" or "if this occurred with me, I would do Y." It is often good to see things through someone else’s perspective.
3. Subjective Viewpoint. Friends want what is best for you. This level of advice is usually proactive and is influenced by the advisor’s experience with comparable situations.
4. Informed Opinion. Experts have core-business backgrounds upon which to draw. Advisors bring facts, analysis and methodologies of applying their
5. Researched Opinions. Investments in research (formal, informal, attitudinal, demographic, sociological) will avert unnecessary band-aid surgery expenses later. Research leads to planning, which is the best way to accomplish tasks and benchmark success.
6. Discussion of Outcomes-Consequences. Most actions and decisions in an organization affect many others. At this level, advisors recommend that sufficient planning be conducted... please take their advice. The more strategy and Big Picture in scope, then planning reaps long-term rewards.
7. Inspiring Directions. This gets into Visioning. Planning and going to new heights are stimulating. The mannerisms and substance by which any organization achieves its Vision requires sophisticated advice, deep insights and creative ideas.
For more information: contact Hank Moore, President, Management Resource Institute or e-mail: Hank_Moore@selec.net or see his website at http://www.selec.net/businesstree.