Curing the Fool

If you diagnose any people related issue you are facing, chances are that you will end up with communication (or lack thereof) as a root cause.  A problem or task was misunderstood, someone didn’t listen to what was being said or asked, information wasn’t passed through to the parties needing the information, or a combination of these.  

The funny thing is that this is anything but new.  King Solomon penned a few thoughts on communication in the book of Proverbs.  While he doesn’t call it communication, he calls out those that want to make communication a one way street.

"A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion." (Prov. 18:2) 

"If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame." (Prov. 18:13)

I can’t think of any leader that wants to be known as a fool, but I can think of several instances where leaders (including myself) have shared their opinion before hearing or understanding the situation.  It’s a natural reaction – we have been there and done that.  Our extensive experiences make us the expert.  We know what we are talking about.  Jumping in “with all the answers” without listening doesn’t show competence; it causes a perception of arrogance, disregard, a lack of respect….and foolishness.

Avoid the “fool" diagnosis with three easy steps:

• Ask questions.  Ask people to clarify an issue or situation.  Ask “why” until you can’t ask it for further clarification.
• Ask others that haven’t spoken to share their ideas.  They may feel their idea has no merit if other ideas are shared more strongly.
• Listen.  Listen to what is being said.  Listen for what is not being said.  And then repeat back your understanding of the issue to be sure you heard what was intended.

The effort you put into your communication will define who you are as a leader.  Are you a teller or listener?  Are you a director or coach?  Just don’t be a fool.

Leadership, Social Media, and You

Seems like there are changes weekly when it comes to social media – so many options, so little time….and in many cases, so little interest by leaders.

You are reading a blog now, so chances are you are involved with social media.  Unfortunately, many leaders have chosen to disengage, ignore, resist, or delegate learning about social media.  And in the process, they have dated themselves and stunted their ability to be at the table of meaningful discussions – and remain relevant with their learning.  I am not saying that leaders need to be the experts on their team when it comes to social media, but they need to understand what it brings to the table and how it can be beneficial to their work.

Why do leaders need to know about social media?

• It paints the picture of your company/product.  Only 11% of the population goes to the company web page to learn what it wants.  Search engines are where people start – and guess what comes up on search engines.  You need to know what picture is being painted and if it looks the way you want it.  You need to see it for yourself.
• It is where your team and prospective team members are talking, learning, sharing, and reading.  Recent Linkedin stats show that LinkedIn users outnumber similar demographics – education levels, income levels, influence roles – than the other top of mind business information sources.  You should be a part of the conversation and expand your learning as well.
• It’s changing how your teams and customers/clients interact (and it’s not going away).  There are over 200 “major” social media sites – I am sure the narrowed focus sites are hundreds of thousands when you add in the profession, special interest, and club sites that exist.  Whether it is a Caring Bridge site for a friend with health issues or an active discussion board for a technology company it has revolutionized how we obtain and share information.  Understanding how it works and its influence is important for leaders to remain current and relevant.

Be proactive – You may be just a spectator, but take the time to enter into the social media world if for no other reason to expand your own knowledge.  Not sure where to start?  Start with updating your LinkedIn profile and join a group.  Make it point pop in on the group each week to see what is being talked about – I am pretty sure you will learn something new.  If you are a little more bold, seek out a discussion board for your field or interest and post a comment - participation breeds interest.

Professionalism

Spent an afternoon last week with a group of star performers in our staff development program.  One of the topics of the day was professionalism.  After some discussion on what professionalism was in various fields, the four working groups were asked to come up with one crucial characteristic of professionalism.

This final list from the future leaders included trustworthy, empathy, responsible, and welcoming.

Many times we zero in on the behaviors.  This group dove deeper.  They went to the core of the professional.  If someone was modeling trustworthiness, empathy, responsibility, and welcoming would they return phone calls and emails in a timely fashion?  Would they be a good listener?  Would they avoid office gossip?  Would they dress appropriately?  Would they be on time?  Would they add value?  Would they stay abreast of trends in the field?

I think he/she would…and more.

In fact, I think if someone doesn’t have the characteristics that the future leaders identified he/she will struggle with being consistent with the behaviors we think are part of being professional.  It goes back to the beliefs someone has about those around them and how they see others.

Are you professional?