The Art of the Gentle Nudge: Keeping Leaders Moving Forward
For every leader I support as a fractional Chief of Staff, I need to relearn the art of the gentle nudge. Every leader has their unique style—some thrive with structured deadlines, while others flourish when given the space to think things through. My goal is to maintain momentum without overwhelming anyone, finding that sweet spot between persistence and flexibility.
The Power of the Gentle Nudge
Keeping the wheels turning is not about strict protocols; it’s about tuning into each leader’s workflow and adapting my approach. Over the years, I’ve honed a toolkit of strategies to help drive leaders toward timely decisions and actions:
The Calendar Hold
By blocking out time on a leader’s calendar for essential approvals or focused sessions, I make these holds visible in their existing routines. This small step significantly boosts the chances of engagement and follow-through.
Meeting Work Time
Instead of deferring action items to a later date, I carve out time in our meetings to tackle critical decisions on the spot. This not only eases the mental load of revisiting tasks but also keeps initiatives progressing smoothly.
The Follow-Up Preview
Clear communication is key! A quick note like, “We need this decision today. If I don’t hear back, I’ll check in tomorrow morning,” establishes clear expectations while keeping things light and effective.
Making It Work for Them, Not Me
The essence of a successful nudge lies not just in the strategy used but in my adaptability. Each leader has their own rhythm, and I focus on syncing with their style instead of imposing my own. Some prefer regular, structured check-ins, while others thrive with a bit more freedom and gentle nudges.
At the end of the day, flexibility is key. The right nudge at the right moment can make all the difference in keeping projects on course, ensuring clarity, and ultimately supporting leaders in reaching their goals.
