Leader or Liar?
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Do you think leaders are liars?
A recent PBS show investigated the question - "Are leaders good liars?" According to psychologist Carrie Keating's experiments in human behavior - "the findings seem to demonstrate a correlation between persuasive abilities and dominant behavior." From the corporate world, to the curious gene pool that makes good politicians, the case can be made, according to Ms. Keating, for why leaders are good liars.
It was with disgust that I read these words. Yes, I'm an idealist, but to see the words in black and white struck me hard. I can intellectualize the charisma factor, and sheer force of some personalities, but to bring the "l" word into the leadership realm was disheartening.
That being said- I say it's a bunch of hooey! Yes, I concede the point that some people in lofty positions may be adept at bending the truth, but in my book they are not leaders! To me, a true leader serves others before themselves- in a truthful fashion. Would most of these so called "leaders" in the headlines today pass that test?
I've always believed that corporate leaders gain profits via their people and that the companies with a "soul" outperform all others. I say that we reserve the word "leader" for those who run ethical businesses.
True leaders don't lie and liars should never be put in a position to lead. We should hold people in leadership positions to the highest standards.
Shouldn't telling the truth be a core value for all of us, not just leaders?
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About the Author
As Founder and CEO of The Rescue Institute, The Global Leader in Executive Coaching™, Drayton is an internationally respected Executive Coach, Teacher, Speaker, Author, and Mentor. He has demonstrated his innate leadership skills time and again having risen to the highest levels in corporate America, as well as in civic organizations.
Drayton has proven himself as a company President, as an entrepreneur running a high profile startup, and as a Vice President of a Fortune 100 firm, all before the age of 40. He has forged multi-million dollar joint ventures with leading Wall Street investment firms and successfully led two large national sales forces with sales in excess of $100MM.
He is a coach and confidant to chief executives throughout the world. Drayton’s enormous success stems from the fact that he has “been there, done that” and understands the challenges facing today’s leaders. His undisputed gift is turning theory into successful action.
His new book- Coming UnScrooged! A Contemporary Classic of Corporate Rescue and Redemption is already garnering high praise from many quarters.
The Rescue Institute’s mission is to help 10 million people save themselves from the lives they’ve created ®- through Coaching!
Most importantly, Drayton has learned how to live a balanced and fulfilling life... something most executives would give anything to enjoy. He lives with his wife of 22 years and their two great kids at 8,000 up in the Rockies. He can be reached at info@RescueInstitute.org.
www.RescueInstitute.org
1.800.251.1696
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