Candor in the Workplace

Leaders who seemingly always greet with a big smile, a rigorous handshake, and/or a slap on the back while the ceiling is collapsing around us give me reflux. These are the the kinds of senior leaders I sought to avoid throughout my career. I knew I would not be a good fit for this person’s staff. I simply cannot smile and laugh when there is nothing to smile about or funny. Being outspoken and sharing my sometimes unpopular opinions in the presence of seniors ostensibly helped me fill the most demanding, prestigious, and sought-after positions during my 26 years in the Corps and during post Corps positions. Nonetheless, doing so left me open to peer jealousy and criticism from the climbers and sycophants. In the end, it may have cost me, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Nonetheless, my candor was not always well-timed and better expressed in private, but when I hear untrue, ill-conceived ideas, or risk-averse statements and decisions, even from those senior to me, my inhibitions become unhinged . With that as a backdrop, I offer the following red flags that indicate an absence of candor:

• Showmanship in lieu of leadership - seeking favor, popularity, and affirmation when steadfastness and resolve are what is needed,

• Politicking - cozening up to seniors at the bar after hours or playing golf with those two levels above you in position or rank,

• Making nice when there is nothing to be nice about,

• Disingenuous complements/comments in the presence of someone senior in position to oneself,

• Gossip about peers in the presence of senior leaders,

• Those who avoid conflict and/or confrontation at all costs, and

• Withholding one’s true opinion because it differs from a person senior to oneself.

  So, my counsel to young leaders is to avoid peers and others who exhibit the characteristics above lest others believe that you are of the same ilk.

  “How much better to get wisdom than gold, and good judgment than silver.” Proverbs 16:16