I’m a fan of Seth Godin’s blog (blogmailfromseth@yahoo.com). He recently wrote about the “buddy system.” He recommends that for a business plan, have somebody who knows you well, write it for you. And, then, you write one for them.

There is something a bit insane about it, but there’s also something different and refreshing.

Some of the times people have offered their perspective to me about how I might do something different, have resulted in me taking a direction I never would’ve considered. Sometimes it takes another person to see the gifts we bring and how we can apply them in new ways. (Likewise, it also can prevent us from doing something really stupid!)

As leaders, it’s important to genuinely solicit your stakeholders’ points or view. And, not just doing it as a manipulation to make them feel better about the idea you want to sell. But, really making an effort to understand their insights, how they want to move forward.

The key is checking your ego at the door so you can truly listen.