Hear no evil, See no evil, Speak no evil

We have all seen pictures and statuettes of the three monkeys that symbolize the above phase, and we have probably heard that phrase hundreds of times.  Parts of the phrase seem to take on a life of their own.  How many of you have said, "My mom told me if I can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all”?  The speak no evil part just seems so logical and understandable.  Words are powerful, but they can also be hurtful.  So, what about the Hear and See no evil?  I think those are just as important.  They mean to not let evil influence your life.  Don't watch evil on TV.  Don't listen to evil music.  Don't hang out with evil people.  Don't go into business with evil partners.  Don't put yourselves in situations where evil is prevalent.  Humans tend to take on the characteristics of the environment in which they live.  As such we should stay away from evil environments.

Hear no evil, See no evil, Speak no evil.  Be all three monkeys at one time!

You don’t have to always be right!

It’s okay to be wrong, everyone is, and it is important to admit it when we are.  More important is the need for leaders to allow those who work for them to admit their mistakes.  Good leaders give people permission to be wrong.  Most people don't admit their mistakes because of fear. They're afraid they won't be forgiven¹.  Good leaders let their followers know that it's okay.  Great leaders even share their own stories of failure.  It shows that they care and allows them to be human.  This permission to be wrong leads to stronger relationships between leaders and followers.  It leads to humility and transparency. 

There are few guarantees in life, making mistakes is one of them.  Allow yourself to be wrong and admit it.  More importantly, allow those around you to be wrong and admit it.

¹ Parsley, Brian, Admit You’re Wrong (brianparsley.com)

Leadership is Balance

The challenge of being a leader is walking a fine line that requires incredible balance and sensitivity.  Great leadership qualities can’t be taken to extremes, they have to be balanced.  The challenge is to be…

·         strong, but not rude

·         kind, but not weak

·         bold, but not overbearing

·         humble, but not timid

·         proud , but not arrogant

Successful leaders are good at balancing these qualities.  How about you?