Jesters were allowed to openly point out the king's shortcomings without punishment. Do you have a jester or two in your organisation? Should we consider having more people around us that will tell us the truth - as they see it. No hidden agendas, no assumptions, no secrets. Just the truth.
How do we make sure that the truth is always spoken? Lets start with trust. Trust is build through relationships. Relationships relies on people talking to each other. The truth will therefore be spoken if we continue talking. Talk to your direct reports, your teams and your colleagues. Don't have agendas, just talk.
Talking involves listening. Talking comes naturally. Listening doesn't. I have been working on my listening skills for years and I am nowhere near as good as I want to be. Be intentional about listening and the truth will set you free.
Will you "appoint" a jester today?
How do we make sure that the truth is always spoken? Lets start with trust. Trust is build through relationships. Relationships relies on people talking to each other. The truth will therefore be spoken if we continue talking. Talk to your direct reports, your teams and your colleagues. Don't have agendas, just talk.
Talking involves listening. Talking comes naturally. Listening doesn't. I have been working on my listening skills for years and I am nowhere near as good as I want to be. Be intentional about listening and the truth will set you free.
Will you "appoint" a jester today?