John Adams had a great truth teller. His truth teller was never his direct report, never served on one of his committee’s, never managed his campaigns, never worked beside him in any form of public service. His greatest truth teller simply told him the unvarnished truth. Served it up wth the right amount of humor and empathy. She told him what he needed to hear. She told him what would improve his performance. Her name was Abigail Adams, his bride. Here’s the freakin’ magic. He asked for it.
There is the key to improving your performance. Ask for truth you can use. Make it safe for your truth tellers to speak hard truth.
Stop asking your enablers and “yes men.” The higher you rise, leader, the more bullshit you’re gonna get. You will slowly take up residence in an information vacuum. The truth valve? Hard STOP. Bullshit meter? Full gas.
Start asking your bride and other strong CORE centered dudes for truth. Ask for it. Bathe in truth you can use. Reward those who speak it because they want you to get better, regardless the personal and or professional cost. You will be blessed to have one truth teller in your home, your work, and your company.
Build a transforming relationship with a few “real” friends. Remember, your job is to ask and simply make it safe for those to tell you the truth. Ask for it. Simple, not easy. Damn.
Live hard. Love ❤️ harder…
And, take your teams to see Young George Washington. The film is filled with truth you can use. Anti-whine material. Good…
BUILT TO LEAD 