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Are You Direct or Directive?

Trigger Question #61

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Be direct. You’ve been told that, haven’t you? But have you ever been told to be directive? No?

Well, I’m telling you, “Be directive!”

If you are a leader, a manager and/or a parent, then you should be direct and directive. The catch is… Because there is always a catch.

The catch is that you must understand the difference between the two, and to know when to use which one for maximum effect. Effect? Yes. As in outcome. The outcome you want.

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When are you being direct? When you tell it as you see it. For example, you share an observation with as little judgment or criticism as you can manage, and allow the other person to respond.

When are you being directive? When you tell it as you want it. For example, you issue an order or instruction, and you expect obedience, not argument or pushback.

When you are direct, when you tell it as you see it, you enable learning. Others can now benefit from your insight. When you are directive, when you tell it as you want it, you demand action. Others are now expected to comply with your wishes.

Clearly, at work, you need to use both.

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Consider this example. When you are lost, someone will hopefully direct you where to go. She tells you the way as she knows it. And in doing so, she teaches you the way. However, she doesn’t care about the outcome, whether or not you find your way. It’s up to you to follow her directions. But what if a traffic cop doing point duty hand-signals where you should drive? Yes, we say he is directing traffic. But he is not suggesting. He is being directive. And on your head be it if you ignore his directive, because his success in preventing traffic chaos depends on your compliance.

Do you now agree it is helpful, at least at work, to differentiate between direct and directive?

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Well, whether or not you like it, that’s how I see it. (That’s me being direct.) So take what I’ve taught you and use it to be more effective at work. (That’s me being directive.)

Welcome to my side of the nonsense divide.

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. . .

Quote of the Moment:

“I could have been a director, but I never received the directive.” The Chief Nonsense Officer.

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