As I look back on this past year of blog posts, I am reminded that it is ‘easier’ to discuss leadership principles from an outside, objective perspective. When our team works with senior leaders, we frequently remind them that any insights that occur when working with our team, that may seem obvious afterwards, are very challenging to identify alone as ‘they are in it’.
The Danger of Tunnel Vision
When we as leaders are in the middle of a dynamic and competitive environment, we instinctively focus on the ‘problem at hand’ and become laser-focused on providing a solution. This practice of focus is extremely valuable in eliminating obstacles and enabling the organization to move forward. However, it also causes us to limit our ‘larger perspective’ as we concentrate primarily on the problem at hand.
The Importance of Seeking Diverse Perspectives
At the risk of sounding like a ‘broken record’, this is one more reason why it is critical to both welcome and seek out diverse, critical thought as a valuable tool to help you ‘see more’. Over this past month, it was revealed to me that I had not provided feedback to a team project partner in a way that preserved their dignity. As a result, the feedback I shared was not able to be ‘heard’, regardless of how sound or well-intended it was. Further, the feedback was rendered useless, and no one was able to benefit from it, especially our mutual client. This was the exact opposite outcome that I had hoped for in my original intent of sharing my feedback! I am grateful for the members of my team who were willing to share their honest dissent in a way that I could hear it, receive it, and change!
The Power of Words in Leadership
Every time I share words with someone else, I am giving them a (literal) piece of my mind!
The power of words to build up or destroy has long been identified to be true. It is also well known that the manner in which those words are shared, and the intent behind them, affects how others are able to hear (or not hear) what is being communicated.
A word (or words) can simply be ‘scribbles on paper’ or ‘sounds’. However, when a human speaks or writes those words, they take ownership of those words. The expression of MY thoughts (mind) and MY intentions (heart) are conveyed in the words I choose to use. Whatever thoughts, feelings and actions I assign to my words impact the specific meaning or intent of what I am sharing. Through our words, we literally give others a ‘piece of our mind’.
Communication: The Foundation of Leadership
As a leader, it is imperative I understand that communication is the foundational basis for how organizations operate!
As a leader, it is imperative I understand that communication is the foundational basis for how organizations operate. Organizations do not work merely by ‘pushes and pulls’, by force, coercion, policy or procedure. Any leader worth their salt who has tried these methods will tell you as much. At MRA, it is our belief that leaders must be acutely aware of what thoughts and intentions we are sharing with others. Through the careful sharing of words, thoughts, and feelings, our organizations can move and work together toward a desired result in a cohesive way that many would not believe possible. And THAT will always be my true intention.
If you’re interested in exploring how we can assist your organization, we invite you to reach out for a complimentary consultation. Let’s discuss how we can help you achieve your desired outcomes and move forward with confidence.
