I was talking to a business leader one day and we were discussing the challenge of perception. One of my early jobs I got frustrated because a leader was telling me the importance of being aware of perception, but I was confident in my character so why did this matter?
Where this becomes a problem is when perception and reality are different. As a leader if the perception of you and who you really are don’t match this creates problems. At times a seeming mismatch may be intentional.
Let me illustrate, when I was a strength coach I was perceived as mean and hard. I would suggest that was by design because I wanted to create a focused and disciplined atmosphere. Some athletes were able to get to know me outside of those times and realized I was not always that way. Occasionally the situation or role requires us to behave slightly out of character. The key is to be authentically ourselves on a personal level even when the role requires an approach that may seem out of alignment.
Let’s look at this from an organizational level. Every situation has three lenses to look through and hopefully what others see is the third lens.
My Way Lens
We are all tuned into the same radio station every day until we choose to change the channel. WIIFM: What’s In It For Me? Because of our human nature we tend to think about ourselves first and how a choice benefits us. We may not think about it consciously, but we consider it.
If we are honest, we all think our ideas are great because we thought of them. If we continually think “my way is the right way” we limit the opportunity to learn from others. We have A perspective, not THE perspective. When we get stuck in this mindset people perceive us as arrogant and difficult. Ultimately being stuck here will limit our results.
Your Way Lens
Our teams contain multiple personalities of various strength. Someone may be completely opposed to your “great idea” which is healthy. Where a leader can get stuck is if they allow this strong alternative opinion to dominate and possibly overpower the leader’s perspective.
When leaders allow others on the team to control decisions in an unhealthy way this creates a perception that the leader is passive. A good leader will listen to the input of others and create an atmosphere where the best answer for the organization can be discerned. If the leader only listens to your way and their way is not considered, we have not yet arrived at the final lens.
The Truth Lens
Somewhere between your way and my way exists the truth. Imagine two siblings fighting. Each believes their perspective is correct. Only after listening to both sides can you determine the truth of what really is best for both of them and then help guide them to a healthy solution.
To create an accurate perception let both sides share and determine what the truth is and what is best for the team. Once you know the truth you will be looking through the best lens possible.
Some say perception is reality. Have the patience and wisdom to hear both sides, ask lots of questions and determine what the truth is. When you know the truth as a leader it sets you free to make sure perception and reality are in alignment. When this happens you have a healthier team. What do you need to do today to step into truth with your team? Need help creating an environment for open dialogue? Contact me to discover how The Leadership Game can open communication on your team. Lead Well.
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