Each approach has its place and purpose. As a manager & leader, you need to do both – to TELL and to ASK – and the key is to know WHEN and HOW to tell and to ask.
Your heightened awareness and practice of effective communication will avoid communication problems and will result to desired outcomes. Remember:
Thought doesn’t mean TOLD
Told doesn’t mean HEARD
Heard doesn’t mean UNDERSTOOD
Understood doesn’t mean AGREED
Agreed doesn’t mean ACTIONED
Actioned doesn’t mean RETAINED
When you can discern between asking and telling, and do this effectively, your team feels engaged, empowered and motivated. And as many studies have shown – highly empowered organizations translate to exceptional business results!