Results Are Different Than Rhetoric

One of the most frustrating things for those of us who spend so much of our time on leadership identification, qualification, training and consulting, is that it is often so difficult to gauge what someone will actually do, simply by examining their words. Many casual observers are often awe - struck by leaders who are fabulous orators, or who use somewhat technical terminology when examining issues and ideas. The facts are that the most magnificent speeches, using those most eloquent words, often do little to enhance the final results. While, of course, it is beneficial to a leader to be able to express himself orally in a highly polished and professional manner, the rhetoric does get things done. Only when words are followed in a timely, well thought out manner, with decisive actions, do we witness true an effective leadership.

1. While having a technical and detailed knowledge of issues can certainly be beneficial, only when someone can translate that knowledge into terminology that most others can follow and understand, is it a meaningful leadership asset. When someone in a position of leadership uses a lot of jargon (I refer to it as techno jargon), it is often dangerous because casual onlookers often equate fancy rhetoric and impressive jargon with actual knowledge and expertise. Terms to beware of include: governance (or any reference to the need to use a specific type as the magic elixir to cure most that ails an organization); metrics (how and why exactly are we so hung up with measurements, especially since they can often be either manipulated or misconstrued); getting to the next level (especially since most people who say that don't truly recognize where they presently are, nor where they need to go); etc. Great organizations do not become great because of numbers alone, for it is the value that a leader brings to an organization, along with the quality of his vision, and the goals that vision brings about, in relation to the mission of the organization, that generally matters the most.

2. Leaders must be judged by their actions and intent, and not by their words. When you see, for example, a group that relies heavily on surveys and evaluations, it often indicate a lack of self confident and effective leadership. Why weigh these types of rating systems so heavily when we are often unsure of the methodology, but even more importantly, are uncertain if those doing the rating, have either the knowledge or expertise to make a valid determination.

Words often sound beautiful, but when they are used as a disguise for less than sufficient knowledge, can often be dangerous. A leader must focus on true communication, which means using words, combined with actions, that motivate others to get more involved.