Filter Your Words
I was recently attending a session at work called “communicating with Impact” where a very important question was raised: to what extent Leaders (or managers) should be transparent in communication?
In my view, while transparency and openness are crucial for building trust and alignment, oversharing can backfire and create confusion. I decided to consult AI on the wisdom our ancestors from various cultures and philosophies followed. Here are some insightful lessons:
·?????? Greek Philosophy: Before speaking, ask: Is it true, good, and necessary? This is known as Socrates' Triple Filter Test.
·?????? Ancient Chinese Wisdom: "Do not speak unless it improves silence." - Confucius
·?????? Middle Eastern Wisdom: "The tongue is like a lion; if you let it loose, it will wound everyone."
·?????? Indian Wisdom (Chanakya Neeti): "Do not reveal what should be hidden, nor hide what should be revealed."
Great & modern leadership isn’t about saying more, it’s about saying the right things at the right time with the right intent; it is about using silence strategically – Not every thought needs to be spoken....timing and audience matter ....and as my mentor said: you need to be a filter ??
And you, what do you think?
Worldwide ASfP Evangelist @ Microsoft | Driving Partner Success
1 个月Thank you for sharing these insightful lessons on the balance of transparency in leadership communication. I completely agree that while transparency is essential for building trust and alignment, there is a fine line between being open and oversharing, which can indeed lead to confusion. The wisdom from various cultures and philosophies you mentioned is truly enlightening. Socrates' Triple Filter Test, Confucius' emphasis on the value of silence, the Middle Eastern caution about the power of words, and Chanakya's advice on discretion all highlight the importance of thoughtful communication. In my experience, effective leadership communication is about striking the right balance. It's not just about what we say, but also how, when, and to whom we say it. Being strategic with our words and knowing when to listen can make a significant difference. As you rightly pointed out, great leadership involves saying the right things at the right time with the right intent. I believe that leaders should aim to be transparent while also being mindful of the impact of their words. It's about creating an environment where open communication is encouraged, but also ensuring that the information shared is relevant and constructive.