I'd like some thoughts on some feedback I received from an individual who is training me in a leadership role for an organization to which I belong:
He stated that I say "please" too much to people who are under my authority in my role. He stated that I need to simply tell them what to do rather than asking them. To me, it makes more sense to use both but to tailor my speech to the person. Some people respond better to commands and others to requests.
Thoughts?
@DoubleD Feedback is fine. You don't have to implement it unless you feel your way isn't working.
I think it works for me. When I ran a kitchen I made sure I said WE and US.
"We need more 'X' We should have some right next to the green peppers."
"Hey, we're out of 'Y' can you get us another bag?"
""Can you take that call for me, please? Thank yoouuu." Sometimes an exaggerated, cartoony "thank you" helps. But that works with my personality too.
"Go ahead and get that. I got this here."
@RoninGrey I agree with making efforts team efforts. People under me at my day job prefer being given orders, but I still say "Could you do X, please?" or "Please do Y."
There's also a difference between a question and a polite order.
It feels more comfortable to give orders in a polite manner. Some people respond better to direct, non-polite orders, but I suppose need to adjust to handling them. If someone needs to be yelled at, I'd rather fire them than be on them to do their job.