Why You Need Courage to Reach Your Goals Part 5

In my four previous blogs on this topic, I discussed five courage activators from the book Lead from the Middle by Merom and Yochee Klein, along with the story of Melissa in her new position at a pharmaceutical company. She had ambitious goals to improve a product launch and faced some difficult obstacles. I illustrated how she used the first four courage activators (purpose, will, risk and rigor) to overcome them. In this blog, I will discuss leading with candor, the final activator. This is about asking the tough questions and providing straight and direct communication.

Melissa faced powerful pushback from her key stakeholders when she suggested there were some flaws in the product launch over which she took leadership in her new job.

To lead with candor means showing reluctant stakeholders and partners that you “get it” and understand why they are nervous.

Step 1: Talk straight. When something unexpected happens, conventional wisdom tells leaders to respond by saying, “No comment” until the dust has settled. While this is safe, it does little to ease the fears of those involved. An honest answer of “I don’t know,” with direct eye contact, empathy and sincerity, is an example of leading with candor.

Step 2: Listen for the truth. Leading with candor is the courage to speak and hear the truth. Ask questions to bring out concerns, fears, and resistance. Answer them with empathy. Verify opinions by asking for evidence. The ability to separate the story from what has actually happened – assumptions from facts – is essential.

Step 3: Speak with integrity. Let your values and conscience be your guides here. Be sure that your behavior lines up with your goals.  People are quick to point out when a leader’s talk is not congruent with her walk.

Melissa was mindful of candor when she visited with stakeholders and team members and that allowed her to address their concerns about changing the product launch plan.

-Andrea Zintz, Career Coach