2.06.2017

Leadership Today

After just one month of 2017 and two weeks into the term of a new President, we find our country to be in interesting and challenging times.  Our political and social landscape is changing, seems incredibly delicate, and is actually very contentious.  The world of social media has forever changed how information is disseminated and opinions are formed.  That is not necessarily a change for the better.  We are quick to make judgments; we fail to research facts; we condemn too quickly.  It is way too easy to be extremist and hateful from the safety of an iPhone or keyboard.  We also think it takes too much time to truly listen, educate ourselves and fully understand issues.  The issues are passionate, significant ones.  The extremely divided opinions on many of these topics is both surprising and totally understandable.  But remember, varying viewpoints, backgrounds and beliefs are what makes this country great.       

What does all of this mean for those striving to be great leaders?  Let me suggest…
·         Be bold but thoughtful
·         Ensure that passions and convictions are well supported by facts
·         Drawing lines in the sand and jumping to conclusions are short sighted behaviors
·         There is power in being positive even in debate
·         Every thought or opinion, political or otherwise, that crosses one’s mind does not have to be posted to social media
·         Don’t believe, nor become enraged by, everything you read on the internet or social media
·         Be careful of the momentum of the bandwagon; groups with common beliefs often feed off themselves without considering differing viewpoints

·         Most importantly…  Listen, truly listen with the intent to understand.

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