“Fools think their own way is right,but the wise listen to others.”

Saying, “Let’s do it this way” doesn’t invite any cooperation or new ideas from others.  But, that or some semblance of the same tone is the way many meetings or conversations between boss and subordinate, or among colleagues begin. We can’t get the best thinking or advice if we don’t solicit it and do so in a way that is non-threatening and inviting.  A term you may hear bantered about is, “HMW”.  “HMW” stands for “How Might We”.  It’s the “in” way of opening a brainstorming or problem solving session, and it works.  Consider that when you are asked “how might we” how much better that feels in being able to express your opinions and/or ideas.  Try it and see how it might work for you!

King Solomon was clear many times in the Proverbs that we need the advice and counsel of others on all facets of our lives.  Establishing people in our lives who will give us true feedback and advice when we need it can be the difference, in many cases, between succeeding and failing.  Just being able to brainstorm on how we might be able to solve a problem means that more than one brain and set of experiences is being leveraged. Simply put, having a trusted set of advisors for our career, finances, relationships, health and spiritual journey would be in King Solomon’s words, “wise”.

Reference: Proverbs 12:15 (New Living Translation)