Nice is not always kind

I hear a lot about healthy organisational cultures, well-being initiatives, innovation and the like. It is clear that addressing symptoms is simply kicking the can further down the road.

Some views that hopefully provoke your thinking, encourage accountability, more meaningful relationships, and better organisational culture.

Although it is important to appreciate, understand, and to an extent, play by the social rules of the environment you find yourself in, including what is culturally appropriate – think of a country, a team, a company, or a community - it is also as important to recognise that nice is not always kind.

Your boss, spouse, colleagues, peers, business partners, friends need you to step up, speak up and share what you really think, constructively and respectfully challenge their views, without losing your centre or composure (This is a skill everyone can acquire). If you are focusing on the issue to solve, it is not personal. It is helpful. On the flip side, the risk of getting caught into the obsession of being right at all cost is pride. By design, unhelpful.

This reminds me of a quote attributed to Henry Ford, American industrialist, and founder of the Ford Motor Company. I find it to be relevant to anything I appreciate, including products, and services I purchase, Art and performances I watch, and people I like to spend time with. Do you agree?

Do you want to foster more meaningful relationships, innovative organisational cultures, and real leadership sustainability? Become knowledgeable, skilled, and a bit more truthful. Those around you will thank you for it. And if they don't. That is a good filter to help you choose how you dedicate your time and attention.

It was fun being back in London last week and conduct another Leadership Impact Accelerator. Closer to home. Cheers.

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