How to Improve Your Leadership Skills by Questioning the News
What news articles teach us about leadership
Lyric —
The truth is in what you see — not what you hear
Little men tapping things out — points of view
Remember their views are not the gospel truthNews of the World — The Jam
Lesson —
Maybe it is the truth, and perhaps it is not. The point is, do not just blindly accept it as the truth.
Often, all you have read is an opinion or interpretation of events based on the information available.
Whilst this can be helpful, it is wise to remain cautious until you can verify accuracy.
Good leaders know this and apply it to their leadership.
If you aspire to lead others, you need to know this too.
How we view a news story can teach us much about leadership.
And great leaders know why.
Would you want that on the front page of the news!? —
Many years ago, I made that error in judgment and sent an email I should not have. You know “that” email; the one where you deliver your self-righteous best. Press send. Feel smug, for all of 2 minutes. And then regret it for a considerable time afterward.
It taught me a lesson. An embarrassing one, but it was one I needed. It was part of my steep learning curve.
An old boss imparted his wisdom to me. The lesson stuck with me ever since. “Never put anything on an email that you wouldn’t be happy to see printed on the front page of the newspaper,” he said.
I have since narrowly avoided many repeat mistakes thanks to these words.
Before you communicate, take a moment to consider the impact of your words.
Good leaders avoid sending these emails.
Great leaders use their words to build others up.
Everyone has an agenda, including you —
People always have a reason for what they do and say.
Don’t get too cynical about this. It is just the way the world works.
Understanding that agenda is essential.
Bad news sells better than good. The agenda is not to scare you half to death. It is to sell newspapers. And as psychology seems to support that we prefer reading the bad to the good, newspapers print more bad news than good.
You will have an agenda too. You should be clear about what it is and transparent with it.
Ask questions to unveil the agendas of others.
Look for common ground to build relationships, and look for shared desires to build teams.
Good leaders are self-aware and mindful of the intentions of others.
Great leaders have agendas to develop those around them.
Always look for evidence —
Always look for evidence to support what you are told.
A news story should capture your attention. But do not accept it as gospel until you have researched it and formed your own opinion.
A leader is told many things and is responsible for reporting many things. So in the same way, before accepting or repeating anything, verify the accuracy of the information.
This approach maintains credibility and helps to develop others through the lesson it teaches them.
Develop this habit in yourself and others.
And get involved in what is happening. Speak to people directly. Ask questions.
Good leaders surround themselves with reliable people.
Great leaders get their hands dirty and find out for themselves.
Words are cheap, actions matter —
Beware the sensational headline.
Often, the bolder the claim, the less substance there is to it.
In the same way, inspiring leaders are fun to be around. But they can also get carried away with their own hype, promising the earth but delivering little.
Words will only get you so far. And make promises sparingly.
As the saying goes —
“The road to hell is paved with good intentions”.
The exact origin of the saying may be unknown, but its meaning is not.
Be careful not to promise much, but deliver little. Better to simply say yes, or no, and then follow through.
It is actions that matter.
Good leaders inspire others with their words, without distorting reality.
Great leaders are known more for what they do than what they say.
“Give a man a reputation as an early riser and he can sleep until noon “ Mark Twain —
Reputation comes from what gets said about a person. And often that reputation is unfounded or inaccurate.
Don’t read too much into reputation.
John Wooden said —
“Be more concerned with character than you are reputation. Character is who you are. Reputation is what other people think you are”
It matters little what others think you are. It only matters who you are.
And who you are is largely determined by your behaviour; by your attitude, conduct and actions.
Concerning the reputation of others, always find out for yourself. Observe behaviours.
Good leaders know not to judge a book by its cover.
Great leaders observe to uncover character.
At the heart of Leadership, is serving others. Good leaders know this. Great leaders live it.
Great leaders take action to help others. Great leaders get involved with others. Great leaders develop others. Great leaders use words to encourage others. Great leaders have great character.
