"Words Sharp as Ice", Photo Credit: Richard Chicoine iCopyright 2009The Power and Pressure of Leadership
When things go wrong, we learn. We learn that assumptions lead to a variety of decisions and disappointments. We learn that communication isn’t as easy as we want it to be. We learn that even experienced leaders make off-hand comments that can blow up into major issues. Take Barrack Obama, for instance.
Jay Leno asked Obama about his bowling prowess, or lack thereof. That was the popular joke during the campaign. Obama proudly said he recently bowled a 129, and as Leno was mocking it, Obama joined in and compared it to the Special Olympics. "It's like -- it was like Special Olympics, or something."
Sure enough, we understand how the media works in North America. As does the White House. Spokesman Bill Burton released a statement aboard Air Force One after the show aired:
"The president made an offhand remark making fun of his own bowling that was in no way intended to disparage the Special Olympics. He thinks that the Special Olympics are a wonderful program that gives an opportunity to shine to people with disabilities from around the world."
When things go wrong, we learn. We learn that assumptions lead to a variety of decisions and disappointments. We learn that communication isn’t as easy as we want it to be. We learn that even experienced leaders make off-hand comments that can blow up into major issues. Take Barrack Obama, for instance.
Jay Leno asked Obama about his bowling prowess, or lack thereof. That was the popular joke during the campaign. Obama proudly said he recently bowled a 129, and as Leno was mocking it, Obama joined in and compared it to the Special Olympics. "It's like -- it was like Special Olympics, or something."
Sure enough, we understand how the media works in North America. As does the White House. Spokesman Bill Burton released a statement aboard Air Force One after the show aired:
"The president made an offhand remark making fun of his own bowling that was in no way intended to disparage the Special Olympics. He thinks that the Special Olympics are a wonderful program that gives an opportunity to shine to people with disabilities from around the world."
Most leaders don't have media spokespeople to smooth the cuts.
Leadership Moments Count
The real message, though? Those little leadership moments DO matter.
Symbols count. Words count. What someone finds funny counts, too.
In a positive way, Michelle Obama shows that she knows the power of simple, influential moments. Lately, she's been on the national news almost daily as she promotes reading, taking personal responsibility, and now, gardening.
And among those who lately showed that they didn't "get" the power of a symbol are the long line of auto executives who asked for taxpayer handouts yet admitted before Congress that they had each flown a private jet to the handout proceedings. Also missing the point about the great power of leadership actions, decisions, words are the executives of taxpayer-propped-up banks who did not understand the taxpayer anger that large bonuses would invoke.
Leadership moments count...the words, the symbols, the jokes.
If you want the leadership spotlight, you get both: the power and the pressure.
And among the things that go with the job he has, or any leadership job, for that matter, are an expectation that he won't perpetuate stereotypes, whatever they are, and an expectation that he will lead by positive example.
In planned statements and actions, and the "mindless" moments, too.
The mentally and physically challenged have feelings, the same as anyone else does. They're trying to maintain their dignity in a world that quickly reaches for the "R" word ("retard") to put people down.
The mentally and physically challenged have feelings, the same as anyone else does. They're trying to maintain their dignity in a world that quickly reaches for the "R" word ("retard") to put people down.
Leadership means knowing the power and value of the spontaneous actions, reactions and words one uses.
It may take education, exposure to the real lives of the people someone makes fun of in an oh so simple "joke."
In this particular case, maybe President Obama should spend a day as a Special Olympics coach. Or work for a day with the handicapped in a sheltered workshop. Or volunteer for a day in one of the homes for the profoundly retarded that any state has to care for those who, by accident of birth, or illness, or by accident, itself, would never have asked for the circumstances they have, will never live lives completely on their own.
We all have moments we regret, a simple comment we didn't really mean. And yet...
If we are in leadership positions, we must remember, those simple moments count. And they are so very powerful.
Thanks to Source: http://www.jgrichardsresults.com/
Remember this, when sending emails with brusque subject lines -
"I'm Frustrated! " - or conversing with your colleagues in a coffee shop about what’s not working out. Someone may be listening, or reading, or assuming.
Your words could be sharp as ice. Cutting. Cruel. Memorable.
Leadership is 24/7... The power and the pressure are ALWAYS on.
Leadership is 24/7... The power and the pressure are ALWAYS on.
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