Technology captures and caches our words for prosperity. We don’t have the luxury of hiding from them as the years progress, we hopefully learn from our stumbles and age gracefully. Sometimes, we don’t.
Rhetoric has the capacity to damage an organization’s reputation risk and governance. It creates tension in the communication patterns of our workplaces by creating barriers to partnerships and opportunities. It creates a perception of reality of leadership and expectations that folks measure when dealing with us as individuals and as a team.
As a seasoned risk professional, I respect that governance lies in the people of an organization whether in the public or private sector. People ensure an organization functions through their individual and collective efforts. They withstand the worst of the rhetoric that may include promises, criticisms, and insults as they continue to effectively manage their roles and responsibilities. In times of crisis, folks look to the people they respect and can count on to understand their importance in the larger equation.
Leadership fails with the practice of negative rhetoric. Negative rhetoric is a flash in the pan with long term consequences. Unkind words, insinuations, and provocative actions are keys to disaster in leadership because people remember. They may not immediately react to the negative interaction, but they remember. It creates reputational risk for community interactions, insurability and eventually profitability.
I recently encountered negative rhetoric in a work gig and responded, as those who know me would expect, with a steely gaze. My law enforcement family tells me that look alone can make the ground tremble. The individual’s negative words revealed his character and stature. In response, I posed an uncomfortable question—one I now ask all of you.
Regardless of the title, in an emergent situation given the historical level of respect given to your folks in the workplace, does respect matter? Will your team follow your lead if you lead through threats, insults, or punitive actions? Fear may win in the short term, but given the first chance for freedom, will they choose new leadership and change?
Effective leadership and governance, both individual and collective, depend on earning respect in our relationships and partnerships. Words matter. Rhetoric matters. People matter. Every interaction shapes our reputational risk and the legacy we achieve both in the workplace and within our lives.
Contemplate a positive and respectful exchange of words and ideas to ensure folks remember your leadership and grace as your legacy.