Yesterday, as everyday, I hit one of my clients with some attempt at truth in love. Here’s exactly what I told him – “You have a clearer identity around your hobby than you do around your profession.” I then gave him my argument. I presented him with facts that supported my position. My tone was kinda solemn, my presence – calm, and my intent – supportive yet challenging. I wanted him to hear the truth about his performance and I wanted him to know I believe he can become so much more.
Everyday, I am paid to improve performance within every system where I work. And, I don’t do anything directly in any of those systems. My ongoing employ is dependent, therefore, on the improved performance of my clients. I have found no better tool for improving the performance of others than giving them tough truth tenderly. You cannot improve your performance without specific, concrete, and actionable feedback from those that know you – your truth tellers.
Everyday, I am paid to tell tough truths because most leaders are surrounded by weak enablers who value their personal safety over doing what is right and real, hard, work. I have more systems who want to hire and employ me than I have time to work. What are you paid to perform? Where do you do your best work? Why is your identity more tied to your personal hobbies than your paid profession? Tell me more, my friend. Tell me more…
BUILT TO LEAD 