By Cleofe Uy Catuday
Through the years, I have been able to build a personal leadership branding of being one who is straightforward and would not mince words. It’s a trait that I probably got from my father who goes lengths to speak his mind. But life makes us go through phases and chapters that allow us to learn not just to tame our tongue but to also consider sharing a message with much needed empathy and compassion. Indeed, God has his ways of making us better through life lessons that take us to realizations where we can say with confidence, I have learned my piece, and this is how I will express my words moving forward.
In leadership though, the act of mustering the courage to say the truth is highly critical. We can only begin to see the improvement of one person once we are outright honest even on the get-go.
There is power in saying the truth.
As a leader, one of the best ways to establish gravitas and credibility is to be consistent in sharing no other than the truth and the reality. The extent of the truthful information shared may vary in some degrees depending on the receiver of the message but there is so much power in being looked upon as someone who rallies for nothing but honesty in any form of communication.
When you are one person that others go to when they need a no holds barred opinion, when you are top of mind for no judgement or fair insight, then congratulate yourself. You are a leader that others have respect for.
Sometimes, the process includes having to say the unpopular truth and having to brave resistance as a response, but pure intentions will overshadow the pain or the initial discomfort when you say things.
People gravitate to authenticity.
Genuine words speak volumes. We all want to hear downright sincere expressions over flowery and beating around the bush phrases that are canned and prepared verbiage. There is something about a good choice of words wrapped in sincerity and authenticity that makes us agree and give our buy-ins. We want to hear stories that are personal and unassuming. We cling to branding that is direct and not overpromising. So, the question is how authentic are we with the words that we say and the insights that we share?
Are the people around us there because they are forced to be, or because they have no other option. Better yet, are the people around us there because they want to hear the authenticity in us and the sincerity that we breathe through our words.
The emotional courage to tell the truth while maintaining openness and grace can be liberating.
Expression doesn’t end in just saying the words. It’s a culture that we cultivate in ourselves and our organizations. Having the emotional courage to do so is step one. The posture of openness and grace is another. The intent not to hurt should be deliberate. We sure know that people’s reactions can be based on personalities and characters. Sometimes we are not sensitive enough to understand when we have crossed the line. It can also be another fact that people have emotional triggers that really make us give adverse reactions when threatened by words or intentions. Thus, it will always help if we do share an opinion in a way that is constructive and respectful.
As leaders and as individuals, we have two choices, one is to not care and not say the words, or the other way which is to muster the courage to say the truth no matter what. The choice is ours to make. Here’s wishing we take on the power of our words with extra care and use it for the betterment of the lives of the people around us, including ours. Mind you, this can truly be very liberating.
