
206 THE LEAN ANTHOLOGY
and then step back to give him the space to answer them, he
responds differently than if I just tell him what I want. I was
used to doing that before, not because I wanted to order him
around, but because it seemed more efficient. My aunt always
told me, “No man can read your mind.” I took that to mean
that I would be better served by telling Dylan what I wanted.
But being direct isn’t always the answer. I get much better
results when I ask questions and take the time to involve him.
Jennifer: It’s like that at work, too. People in general like to know that
you respect them and their opinions. But there’s a balance.
Y