By Lisa Purichia
Partner, Director of Accounting & Retirement Plan Services
Email Lisa
After hearing about the genetically engineered dinosaurs in Jurassic Park, Dr. Ian Malcolm tells the park’s owner, “Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could that they didn’t stop to think if they should.” The same could be said of businesspeople in this “just do it” culture.
Take Lego in the early 2000s, for example. In response to the rise of digital toys, the company quickly branched out into different markets — such as software with Lego Movie Maker, learning concepts with Lego Education and clothing with Lego Wear. However, this movement didn’t help Lego stay ahead of the competition. As then-CEO Jørgen Vig Knudstorp said, “Suddenly we had to manage a lot of businesses that we just didn’t understand. We didn’t have the capabilities, and we couldn’t keep up the pace.”
Lego didn’t stop to question whether it was fit to handle these new lines of products, and it suffered record losses as a result. This is just one of many cases in which activity did not equal productivity. It would’ve been more productive for Lego to question its capabilities and explore avenues more aligned with its level of resources and talent.
Given the fact that an image of confidence is considered crucial in the business world, perhaps that’s why so many businesspeople hesitate to ask questions. They don’t want to appear as though they don’t know what they’re doing.
“Fake it until you make it” is a popular piece of advice, but it might not be the best to follow in the long run. Rising through the ranks of the business world is about curbing your ego, being vulnerable and admitting what you don’t know. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
To ease fear or hesitation, it’s imperative for business leaders to create psychological safety in the workplace, which allows employees to enter four stages. The ones most conducive to encouraging questions are:
- Learner: At this stage, employees feel safe to address their uncertainties, thus leading to individual and company-wide opportunities for growth.
- Challenger: This stage empowers employees to question the status quo, voice concerns and propose changes, thus driving innovation.
Research shows that just 26% of leaders create psychological safety, thus discouraging questions and continuous learning. But asking questions isn’t a sign of weakness or insecurity. Questioning is growing.
If we can assist you further with your business or financial matters, please call us at (317) 608-6699 or or email Lisa.