Legacy of Leadership: Leadership and The Inconvenient Truth
Tony Gabriel
GABRTEACH/ GABR-BEHAVE- GABRWORKS- Educator/ Presenter/Writer/Professional Development/ Workforce Development/
In my previous articles, I discussed leaving a Legacy of Leadership founded in an appreciation and philosophy of leadership that looked at trying to forecast the end of a prospective leader's term or tenure and the possibilities of a negative or positive impact a leader might have. Additionally, I introduced and explained the importance of knowing the difference between "Developing A Leader and "Leadership Development" in relation to building a Leadership Legacy worth curating and replicating.
Where does Truth fit in developing a Legacy of Leadership?
"The Truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, Ignorance may deride it, but in the end, There it is" - Winston Churchill
The intangibles of developing true leaders as well as the qualities of excellent leadership is a matter of debate, constant revision, and change. However, if one is serious about true leadership, the one quality or characteristic that cannot be under constant revision or change, is the Truth. True leaders and leadership should not have to practice, memorize, formulate, hide, misquote, misinterpret, fabricate, buy, or sell their version of the truth.
The truth is the truth no matter how others attempt to erase, change or manipulate it. Ideally, from a leadership perspective, it should be understood and expected that good or great leaders are individuals with integrity and honesty.
Unfortunately, the reality is that many of us have experienced leaders and leadership with little honesty and integrity that change and twist the truth to fit their narratives like they change their underwear. Please consider and contemplate some of the following questions:
Is it the responsibility of an informed and intelligent electorate to demand that we hold our leaders accountable for the truth?
Should a Leader or a leadership team always tell the truth? If not, Why or Why Not?
Is an expectation of Honesty and Truth from a leader or leadership team unrealistic in today's political, business, and organizational climates?
Why would some rather embrace ignorance and blind loyalty rather than accept or hear the truth?
Why are so many in leadership, those who claim to be leaders, and their followers, willing to ignore the truth?
What role should the truth play in Leadership Legacy Building?
Think about your view or opinion to any of the questions mentioned above. Did you experience a stronger reaction to one of the questions versus another? Hopefully, all of them helped you focus more on the idea of "truth in leadership."
Unfortunately, the idea of a leader telling the truth has become so politicized to the extent that we are challenged to dissect what is true or false. This is what many leaders who use lies and deceit as a strategy are counting on. They are betting that many won't actually do their homework or study an issue to find out if what a leader is promoting or claiming is actually true.
So, then the pursuit of the truth is a collaborative and joint activity that must be invested in by both parties (The People and their Leaders) if this thing we call Democracy is to endure.
Leaving a true legacy of leadership demands that would-be and current leaders hold themselves and their subordinates more accountable for the welfare, safety, and support of the least of us.
In a " True Democracy," we all elect, follow, and rely on the honesty, integrity, and wisdom of our leaders to make the right decisions on behalf of all of us.
领英推荐
"An Inconvenient Truth"
In 2006, "An Inconvenient Truth" a documentary by filmmaker Davis Guggenheim and former Vice President, Al Gore won an Oscar for best documentary. The film, narrated by Vice President Gore, brought the issue of the dangers of climate change to the forefront. While the documentary has its detractors, one cannot argue the energy, concerns, and conversations the documentary stirred.
For me the documentary, is a metaphor for the threats that are facing our Democracy. Too many are choosing to ignore the "climate changes" here in America, that continues to shift from "We the People" to "Me your Dictator."
When a sitting President can incite a mob to deny an election, we are traveling down a dangerous road of no return.
Leaving a legacy of true leadership requires that all take a stand to say that a Democracy is not at the whims of one man or group of individuals, but functions at the will of not just some, but of all people.
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
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Previous articles:
1."Curating a Legacy of Leadership-Begin with the End in Mind"
Review and Share- (https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/curating-leadership-legacy-begin-end-mind-tony-gabriel-be5nc/?trackingId=P%2FwRr2klTty%2B
2. Review and Share- "Legacy of Leadership- Intelligence and Intellect"
Leading Solopreneur Coaches to profitability?? Corporate captive turned solopreneur mentor ?? Empowering coaches turning results into paying clients in 90 days | Boosting profitability ?? Elite Business Coach
3 个月Truth is the cornerstone of any enduring Legacy of Leadership. In my experience as an Elite Business Coach, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact that truth—or the lack thereof—can have on leadership effectiveness and organizational culture. Winston Churchill’s assertion that "The Truth is incontrovertible" encapsulates the essence of this principle. Despite attacks from malice or derision from ignorance, truth remains an unwavering beacon. In the realm of leadership, truth serves as the bedrock upon which trust is built. Trust, in turn, is the foundation of influence and respect, essential elements for any leader aiming to leave a lasting legacy. When leaders embrace truth, they cultivate an environment where integrity and transparency are valued, fostering a culture of mutual respect and accountability. To Your Success, Annie
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I strive to inspire and motivate people of all ages to take action in designing new directions in their journey in life. Be determined to rise above adversity.
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