UFO Narrative & Fairness to Team

As Leaders, we are not just required to deliver upon the results that we are expected to, but - equally importantly - we are also responsible for delivering a narrative for others to interpret those results. While the results themselves can be analysed and conveyed by anyone, the responsibility for the narrative, how it is conveyed, to whom it is conveyed, and how many times it is repeated falls squarely on the shoulders of the leader.

Look at the figure below and consider for a moment the last narrative that you made to anyone. In which quadrant did the narrative fall?

The challenge that many leaders face is being consistently in either the U (Underplayed) or the O (Overplayed) category.

O (Overplayed)

While at the onset this might appear as a boastful or a cocky situation, the reality might be different. The market situation, team setup, and any other such external and internal factors might have temporarily impacted the results. As such, for a leader, who is confident about the future prospects, presenting a strong narrative is actually positive and uplifting for his team who then looks forward to creating the future where that narrative comes true. Of course, if someone stays in the O category consistently, then they will come out as being shallow and just putting 'lipstick on a pig.'

U (Underplayed)

A leader who has consistently played in the U category will risk demotivating his team and come across as weak and inarticulate. This is a disservice to his team who has been delivering results yet are not able to bask in the glory of its success. The leader thus owes more than anyone else, to his team, to take it upon himself or herself to change the narrative. This isn't always easy if the narrative has taken widespread hold and is taken as a fact. In such a case, the leader must go the extra mile to evangelise the new narrative. This isn't always easy and there will be resistance and pushback. But the leader must remember the cost of not doing this - risk losing confidence of their team and also compromise the results they are delivering.

It is never too late to change the narrative though. Even if you are up for a presentation tomorrow and you feel that you are Underplaying yourself, you still have time...and if the results delivered are Weak but you feel upbeat about what your team can deliver, then move to the O (Overplayed) category temporarily and finally to F (Fairplayed)...

The most important question to ask to yourself is...are you being Fair to your team for what they are delivering!!!