As a business leader, it is important to have a clear understanding of the level of support and commitment among your team members. One effective way to gauge this is through the military technique of asking for spears after a presentation.
This technique involves giving a presentation on a particular topic or plan, and then asking for volunteers to “step forward with their spears,” meaning to show their willingness to actively support and participate in the plan. This can be a powerful tool for leaders to assess the level of buy-in and commitment from their team, and to identify any potential issues or concerns that may arise.
One of the key benefits of using this technique in a business setting is that it can help to identify any weaknesses or flaws in a plan or idea. When team members “step forward with their spears,” they may have questions or suggestions that can help to improve or refine the plan. This can be particularly important in the early stages of planning or development, when it is important to identify and address any potential issues before they become more significant problems.
Additionally, using this technique can help to build teamwork and solidarity among team members. When team members are able to voice their thoughts and ideas openly and honestly, it can help to create a sense of shared ownership and responsibility for the success of the project. This can be particularly important in a business setting, where teamwork and collaboration are key to achieving success.
However, it is important to approach this technique with an open and receptive mindset, and to treat any feedback with respect. By creating an open and inclusive environment where team members feel comfortable voicing their thoughts and ideas, leaders can build a more cohesive and effective team that is better equipped to tackle challenges and achieve success.
Overall, the military technique of asking for spears after a presentation can be a powerful tool for business leaders to gauge team commitment, identify potential issues or concerns, and build teamwork and solidarity. By encouraging team members to openly and honestly voice their thoughts and ideas, leaders can create a more cohesive and effective team that is better equipped to tackle challenges and achieve success.