Speak the Unspeakable in 2010!
Leaders are loved, hated, praised, villified, applauded or condemned by some people some of the time. Most likely all of the time in different measure.
As a leader, you won’t get to hear the negative stuff spoken behind closed doors or lurking silently on other people’s agendas. Apart from the critical missives from brave souls who’ve got the balls or don’t care what you think of them.
Yet it’s absolutely critical you do get to hear the ‘unspeakable’ about yourself. It guards against grandiosity. It guards against complacency. It guards against it all being about yourself. So welcome the next constructive criticism or dung throwing as a pre-emptive strike for your professional and personal growth. It’s world class fodder for developing your Inner Leadership.
And, as a leader, it’s critical YOU speak the unspeakable! It’s critical for evolution and creative change. It’s critical for your own credibility.
I’m sick of UK governmental leaders for their grisly, sickly smiles and political shitck. Say we screwed up and we’re sorry. Say our party’s got nothing new to offer and we’re just making it look as if it has. Where’s their courage to challenge worn out ideas?
I’m sick of the captains of industry, business and banking who pay lip service to social and ecological responsibility. Say we’re only doing this to look good in the share-holders’ and customers’ eyes… but we don’t give a toss really. Where’s their heart, soul and common humanity for others, our world and themselves?
Where are the Galileos, the Ghandis, the Darwins? Where are the Emily Pankhursts, the Edith Sitwells, the Simone de Beauvoirs? Leaders who in their time and their field spoke the unspeakable whatever the cost.
Where am I in all of this? And where are you?
I agree with you wholeheartedly! Truth is the grand simplifier. It affords you the luxury of integrity, of diversity, of true allegiance. As a leader you need not only be available to listen, but also invite and reward people for being straightforward. Of course, starting with yourself is important but also conveying the message that you will not be jeopardizing your future by speaking your mind in a respectful manner.
Always easier said than done, but SO, so important! And regardless of the setting – whether at work, at home, in relationships, with self…speaking the unspeakable is one of the most powerful components of leadership – and a life worth living!!!! Thanks for calling this forth so boldly and clearly, Sharon. I hear you…and I’m following – as I lead!!
Thank you Monica. Appreciate your point about reassuring others, as a leader, that their ‘unspeakable’ message is welcomed and carries no penalty!
Oh yes Ronna… A life worth living. Thank you!
As women grow older and become the Wise Women they are far more ready and able to speak the unspeakable because they are more comfortable in their own skin and so willing to say “The Emperor has no clothes”. They can step out from the sheep and march to their own tune. Keep on marching, Sharon. I’m alongside you.
Great point Irene. And I wonder how we older women can encourage and skill young women to do exactly the same. All ideas welcome!
As a younger woman, who have long sat and listened to so-called leaders, my soul grew listless with the non-speaking and I decided to create my own space where I could say and do what I damn well pleased whilst wearing purple. Now, I speak my truth without batting an eye-lid, always with an innocent smile and watch as the simplicity of my words hit home. Thank you for continuing to taking the lead!
Value your contribution, Lise. And amazing synchronicity because I have just sat down to blog about simplicity in leadership communication! More power to you…
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