Psst … Shut the Duck Up!

Leadership that is heavy on advice and direction often sounds like a quacking duck—bothersome and pestering. And while it might seem easier to tell people what to do, this approach limits their development and diminishes their sense of responsibility. Instead, leaders can empower and foster growth with the coach approach to leadership.

The Pitfall of Being a Quacking Duck

Constantly giving advice undermines the very goal of leadership: to develop other leaders. It stifles creativity, limits personal accountability, and creates dependency on the leader for solutions. Imagine a duck quacking incessantly; the noise becomes a distraction, preventing others from hearing their own thoughts and ideas. Similarly, when leaders over-rely on giving advice, they drown out the voices of their team members, inhibiting their ability to think critically and independently.

Shutting the Duck Up: A Transition to Asking Questions

The essence of the coach approach lies in the shift from telling to asking. By asking insightful questions, you can encourage your team members to think deeply and come up with their own solutions. This not only empowers them, but it also leads to richer conversations and stronger relationships.

If you’re a leader who loves to quack, here are four strategies to quiet your inner duck:

1. Be Curious: Curiosity is the cornerstone of effective coaching. Great questions arise when we genuinely believe others have the answers within them and are curious about their problem-solving methods. Instead of jumping in with solutions, ask questions that provoke thought and exploration. Questions like, "What do you think is the best course of action?" or "How would you approach this challenge?" invite others to tap into their own knowledge and creativity.
2. Listen Actively: Active listening is crucial for fostering an environment where people feel heard and valued. It involves not just hearing the spoken words, but also understanding the underlying emotions and intentions. This deeper level of listening helps leaders respond with empathy and further probing questions, rather than defaulting to advice-giving.
3. Don’t Be a Hero: As a leader, you're probably used to putting out fires. Giving people answers feels like the fastest way to solve problems, but always being the hero leaves no room for anyone else to step up and shine. By entrusting team members with decisions, you build their confidence and competence. Phrases like, "What steps do you think we should take next?" or "How would you prioritize these tasks?" can facilitate this shift.
4. Foster Accountability: When team members generate their own solutions, they are more likely to take ownership and accountability for the outcomes. Encourage this by asking follow-up questions such as, "How will you measure success?" or "What resources do you need to implement this plan?" This approach not only promotes personal accountability, but also drives better results.

Transitioning from a directive to a coaching style of leadership requires patience and practice. By learning to shut the duck up, leaders can create a more empowering and dynamic environment that encourages growth and accountability. Talk less, listen more, and watch others thrive. The less you quack, the more you and your team will soar.

About the Author

Sandra McDowell, MA, PCC, CULC, CPHR

As the founder and voice behind eLeadership Academy™, Sandra McDowell helps leaders and organizations increase performance and well-being by leveraging neuroscience insights to harness the untapped power of the brain.

About eLeadership Academy™

Exclusive to credit unions, eLeadership Academy™ is the only online training solution that provides accessible, actionable training to develop high-performance CU leaders. We are on a mission to help build leadership and coaching bench strength within the system because we know credit unions are a force for good, and their leaders are the catalyst for member and employee experience. For more information, visit www.eleadershipacademy.com or contact [email protected].