Performance Beats Bragging

Have you ever listened to someone in a position of leadership, who seemed to be constantly seeking acclaim, by repeatedly telling you how wonderful he was, or how great what he was doing had been? Some of these leaders even go as far as employing beautiful rhetoric combined with magnificent oration, to attempt to convince you of how terrific they were. However, simply because someone brags, or pats himself on the back, or states his case beautifully, does not necessarily mean that his performance was that spectacular. Perhaps this situation was best stated, succinctly, as usual, by an individual who history has shown had a performance that surpassed even his rhetoric. Ben Franklin said, " Well done is better than well said."

1. As a professional event planner and consultant, I have observed hundreds of events, some of which were truly spectacular and wonderful, and some of which were lacking. Invariably, I have noticed, that those who run the poorest events almost always make speeches constantly reminding attendees of their hard work and effort, over and over again. They use whatever rhetoric and response invoking techniques they can, in order to garner applause and compliments. Unfortunately, for those individuals, they are most deluding themselves into believing they did a good job, and getting kind individuals to publicly thank them, while behind their backs, often heavily criticizing the event. Perhaps nowhere is it more obvious than with events, because the vast majority of event planning is not done by quality, knowledgeable event professionals, but rather by well meaning, but over their head, novices or near do wells. Organizations that permit themselves to confuse bragging/ rhetoric, with superior performance, invariably face long term challenges.

2. Just because someone pats themselves on the back does not mean that they performed well! I've often remarked that the best gift that certain people could be given is an arm - extender, so that they could more easily pat themselves on their own back! True performance is about achievements, and that means setting the right goals and priorities, and then creating and utilizing an action plan to assure the timely fruition of these goals. Great performances come after facing numerous obstacles and challenges, overcoming them, and transforming adversities into opportunities. I have also discovered, that after more than three decades consulting to well over a thousand individuals in leadership positions, that they honestly have convinced or deluded themselves into believing what they are bragging about. Perhaps this is the saddest side effect.

Great performers never need to brag. Their performances do all their talking for them!