Good morning, World! It’s Friday!

It has been my experience over the first fifty years of my time on earth that care comes in many different forms, i.e.

*It has been said regarding leadership that “people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care”.

*I heard an economic development director for the region we once lived say to a group of residents, “I believe I care more about this community than most of you do!” Whether true or not, it sparked a response to step up efforts or get out of the way.

*I recently spent an afternoon with a long-time leader in my industry who said, “Eric you told me last year that you don’t do ‘warm and fuzzy’ (well).” He went on to say, “I’m here to tell you that I said something similar over 20 years ago and now most in my company would say that I am the most ‘warm and fuzzy’ guy here.”

Hmmmm

We’ve all likely heard that you should – “Never judge a book by its cover”.

I believe that a leader has a primary responsibility to guide, direct, navigate and influence by what the industry, company and individual needs for the short, mid, and long term…not to be swayed by what people want at the moment. Short-sighted decision making leads to less than optimal outcomes and severely disappointed stakeholders.
-Smile for a day and cry for a lifetime seems tragic and irresponsible, doesn’t it?

The challenge seems to come when communicating difficult messages on longer-term, deeply complex and challenging issues and the vast majority of the audience immediately turns their attention inward (human nature, perhaps) wondering…

What’s in it for me?
or
How will this impact my career, bank account, free time, relationships…comfort?

…maybe even before they’ve heard the decision making process. In absence of the time it takes to explain all the information absorbed and assessments made, there must be trust. Trust that leadership cares about the right things and when all things are considered, they arrive at the best possible outcome for all affected parties.

I recently saw a video clip of a national presenter talking about a highly successful (decade long, double-digit annual growth and high employee satisfaction) bank in Georgia, crediting their success to “Love”. The presenter said he interviewed many employees who talked about taking full accountability for their actions and no tolerance for excuses. When the bank CEO was confronted with the feedback, without missing a beat and before even making eye contact, he retorted (remember to read this with your best Southern drawl), “I never said it wasn’t TOUGH love.”

The path of least resistance doesn’t come up on my internal GPS. Scanning the environment is in my DNA and the good Lord blessed me with the resolve and resilience to back up the decision to consistently take the high road.

I’ve already packed a lunch for the next trek. Are you ready to join me?

Have a blessed weekend.