“So glad that’s over,” said Charles to his assistant.
“It’s hard putting on a happy face when I talk to my employees about the direction the company is going. I don’t want to scare them with bad news or have them think that I can’t handle it.”
Six months later, Charles had to close his little shop.
His view of leadership was a bit like that of an overcoat: something to be put on when needed, then taken off.
That’s kinda sad, isn’t it?
Had Charles shared the truth with his employees and involved them in the solution, perhaps the ending to his business and leadership story might have been considerably different…and much happier for everyone.
Practice the power of continuity
Some use-your-head-to-manage-and-your-heart-to-lead thoughts to guide you in similar situations:
1) Don’t sugar coat the truth.
If times are tough, level with your employees. OK, a few may jump ship, but the rest will surprise you. Most people rise to the occasion when times are tough. Be open to implementing their ideas, and experience what a positive morale boost that can be.
2) Don’t act like you’re play a role in a film.
Putting on a “happy face” isn’t authentic or effective. A true leader is a leader 7 x 24—whether at the office or coaching a little league game—who has the best interests of those around him/her in mind and perpetually seeks the best win-win outcome. What matters is your continuity in being a real leader who doesn’t fake feelings or hide the truth.
3) Reject being the-all-knowing-boss myth.
Sure, you own the business or run the department, but that doesn’t mean you have all the answers every time. No one can do that! Tap into the collective knowledge, wisdom and creativity of those around you. Challenge and inspire people to get involved, and then step aside and nurture their development as they try out their solutions.
What else would you recommend for practicing continuity?
Image source before quote: morgueFile.com
Hi Jane,
Transparency is key to authentic leadership. Sometimes that means sharing the tough stuff. In my experience, people respect a leader that is up front and honest. And as you pointed out people will surprise you with their efforts. When you hide the truth to “protect” others what you really are doing is protecting yourself and excusing that behavior by saying it’s for everyone’s best interest. The truth and transparency is what’s really in everyone’s best interest.
Cheers!
Kelly
Kelly —
Given that what gets rewarded is what gets done, it’s too bad that more focus isn’t given by business to rewarding leaders who do practice truth and transparency. Loved what you have to say!
With a smile,
Jane
Jane,
All 3 points are excellent; I especially like #3. So many leaders think they need to know it all once they attain their title. Sure, some stems from ego, but I think even the most humble people feel that in order to “deserve” to be the leader, they must be in control at all times. It takes true maturity to admit “I don’t know” yet those are the most powerful leaders.
Jennifer —
Spot on as usual! I totally agree with you that being able to acknowledge that you don’t know/have all the answers is a strength, not a weakness.
With a smile,
Jane