Objectivity: The Missing Link in Great Leaders

Ever wondered why some people seem to breeze through life while others struggle? Why is creativity a cakewalk for some, but a mountain to climb for others? Or why being analytical or process-driven can feel like banging your head against a brick wall?

One thing I've never quite understood is why it's so damn hard for most people to be objective instead of subjective. I mean, it's like watching your favorite sports team get screwed over by a blatantly obvious penalty call. Every Monday morning quarterback knows the ref fucked up, but no, people gotta argue about it like they're experts.

It's like people can't help but let their feelings get in the way of everything. Why is it so difficult to look at the facts objectively?

This whole election shit has really got me thinking about this. Hell, maybe it's been the past eight or even twelve years. A lot of people are gonna love me for saying this, but if there's one thing I've realized, it's the sheer ignorance and lack of objectivity in so many people. We choose to cling to our beliefs or values, no matter how fucked up they are, and we refuse to distinguish right from wrong, fact from fiction. We convince ourselves that our feelings are more important than reality.

I once had a guy tell me that every problem he's ever had was a "pussy problem." Excuse my French, but I kinda get what he means. Why do guys get so stupid when it comes to women? I'm not talking about young guys, I'm talking about older guys who should know better.

Why can a woman bat her eyes and make a guy's heart melt, causing him to lose all sense of himself and follow her around like a puppy dog? Instead of stepping back and looking at things objectively, he's blinded by his feelings and can't see that she's dangerous or that the relationship isn't healthy.

Of course, women can be just as bad, but I tend to think guys get a little too dick-headed about it. For obvious reasons.

So, in my quest for knowledge, I did some research on why it's so hard to be objective. And guess what I found? Objectivity is one of the most desired, needed, and valuable traits for a great leader. Great leaders have figured out how to be objective.

And for some reason, that wasn't a surprise to me. Now, I'm not claiming to be a great leader, but I think I'm a pretty damn good one. I went to a school that's designed to produce great leaders, but that doesn't mean everyone who comes out of West Point is a great leader.

I'd argue that a majority of them were or are great leaders, and if there's one thing they taught us over four brutal years, it's how to be objective. They drilled it into us to always keep the objective in mind.

We were trained not to let our feelings get involved, and I think one of the earliest places this started was when we upperclassmen were finally allowed to haze the plebes. I'm not gonna get into a long discussion about hazing; it is what it is. But we had to correct our fellow cadets if they messed up, even if we liked them. Feelings aside, because the ultimate objective was to make them great leaders.

So, is it logical to say that if you're not objective, you're not a great leader? I'd say probably 70-75%. Because if we think back on our own lives, most of our mistakes have been due to ignoring facts and going with our feelings. Sleeping without protection, buying expensive things on credit, you name it. Tina Turner said it best: "What's love got to do with it?"

One of my favorite songs by BB Winans says, "Love is more than a feeling." I argue that love is an action. Those who work hard at love and marriage understand that it's more than just a googly feeling; it's the actions you take. You can tell someone you love them, but words mean nothing without actions.

So, there's the feeling versus the objectivity of taking action. Does that make any sense?

As I'm thinking about this out loud, I'd say that pride is a big part of the issue. The Bible says, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." I'm a believer, and I think a lot of the things said in the Bible are true. But subjectivity, in a situation that calls for objectivity, is a demonstration of one's own pride.

People can't admit they're wrong or that the other person might be right. We see this a lot in politics today. There are so many stupid assholes out there who will argue ridiculous things just to maintain their pride and avoid looking wrong. They want to portray an image of someone they're not, appease those around them, and be part of the majority.

But people who are like that have low self-worth. They don't think enough of themselves to stand out on their own. They're too worried about what everyone else will think and being kicked out of their precious little circle of friends. Or they might go against what their family has always done, even if it doesn't make sense, because they lack the confidence to stand on their own.

So, there are my thoughts on objectivity and subjectivity. I will argue that being objective, rather than subjective, can save you a lot of headaches. It shows a form of higher intelligence and can help you be a better leader. You have to look at the facts, and there's nothing wrong with being wrong. In fact, I think it takes a stronger person to admit when they're wrong.

And the funny thing is, I'm pretty sure that after reading this, many people will say, "Are you kidding me? I'm objective!" But the whole reason they think that is because they're letting their feelings get in the way.

Thank you for listening to me rant.