The 10% rule
“By listening for the 10% we unlock the power of wisdom.”
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The 10% rule
Today I’m going to share with you something I learnt from Shirzad Chamin – professor at Stanford University and creator of Positive Intelligence. His book on the subject teaches a transformative method to help leaders answer the question ‘What holds me back?”
One of the many tools and tips that Shirzad provides is the 10% rule. Now this rule interests me as it’s a fundamental resource for hostage negotiators – and frankly, in my experience life as a business leader, partner and parent can often give one that sense of being in a hostage drama, can’t it?
The key element in this rule is very simple – it is that in any situation everyone is at least 10% right. Acknowledging this, and actively seeking to understand which part you agree with, lowers the tension in any battle of wills and brings an attitude of true negotiation – by seeing and appreciating at least 10% of the point being shared.
The potential positive outcome is that people around us find courage and inspiration in sharing their ideas knowing that their contribution will be heard and acknowledged. In this way, suggestions flow and each party is encouraged to contribute a greater portion of their wisdom to the solution.
So, I’m starting my week with the deliberate intention to encourage creative thinking from those around me by listening out for the 10% and acknowledging the contributions made by others.
With this in mind, I’m expecting a week that flows by smoothly and includes positive contributions from everyone that I meet! Perhaps you want to come along for the ride?
