“Speak the truth. Transparency breeds legitimacy.” ~John Maxwell
I once had a colleague ask me my opinion about something and after sharing the truth with her she looked at me and said, “I don’t agree or appreciate what you just said.”
Sometimes the truth hurts but as with most things in life…no pain-no gain.
When I work with aspiring young leaders today I often quiz them on what traits they view as being important in order to become a leader. My list from these “quizzes” is at least a couple dozen traits long but two traits that are always noted are those of truth and trust. I believe trust must be at the foundation of solid leadership and leaders who can be trusted are usually leaders who live in the truth…no matter how hard it may hurt at times.
When it comes to leading how well do you handle truth? Do you live in it regardless of how difficult it may be or do you find yourself manipulating, sneaking, conning and trying to create your own version of the truth?
Living in the truth, although not always easy, trumps living in a lie any day of the week…as a recovering alcoholic and drug addict I definitely write from experience on this one.
If you want to lead, lead with the truth and trust from others will follow.
P.S. There is a saying we often use around the recovery community, “you can always tell when an active alcoholic is lying; when his lips are moving.” 🙂
P.E.A.C.E.
Jay@EagleLaunch.com
John 17:17, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”
