“Scott! Hey, Scott!”

On my way to a meeting, I glanced towards the entrance and saw Randy, a 260-pound professional bodybuilder, waving frantically to get my attention. I knew Randy from my days working in the weight room when I was an entry-level employee.

It had been a while since I’d seen him, so I assumed he was waving to say hello. I waved back.

His body language insisted the wave was less friendly and more desperate. “Come here!”

At that point, I had been promoted three times and was the graduate assistant calling the shots. I was responsible for managing the building and ensuring policy enforcement.

I glanced at my watch. “Man, I’m in a hurry. What’s up?”

He pointed towards the stoic employees. “They won’t let me in ‘cause I don’t have my ID. Can you get me in?”

I rechecked my watch and made a quick judgment call. “Come on in.” I looked at the two staff members and gave a smile and thumbs up. “He’s good!”

Turns out, he wasn’t. I didn’t know it until two grueling weeks later, but neither was I.

I immediately lost their respect by failing to utilize mere seconds to ask the two exemplary employees what had transpired before my arrival. Fortunately, with time, effort, and sincere apologies, I earned it back, along with a lifelong lesson.

~~~~~~~~~~

Not asking your team questions can cost you a lot of leadership capital. Even when the final answer has been determined and is out of your hands, asking questions and allowing others to be included can make all the difference.