The leader and the busybody
Folks who have been entrusted with a position of leadership cannot afford to be influenced by the grapevine. The rumor mill is dominated by small naysayers who generally do not have all the facts. If the ”gossiper” has a constructive concern, he should confront the leaders without malice, or if the leader will not respond to his concerns - he should seek to become a leader himself. It is remarkable that many who criticize the top, refuse positions at the top when it is offered.
I am sometimes reminded of the well-known tableau from the old west where a sheriff and his deputy could silence or defeat a mob by threatening or singling out a single leader. It goes something like this: the mob comes roiling up the street only to come to halt in front of the lone law man in the middle of the street with a rifle in his arms. The two dozen outlaws can easily overrun the sheriff, but he trains his gun on the foremost bandit, looks him in the eye and says, “Big Honcho, if anyone moves, I will put a bullet in your ear.” There is an uncomfortable silence as Big Honcho considers the stakes: a win for the team and a loss for his own personal health versus a loss for the team and preservation of his own skin. In most instances, he will pick his own skin and the mob fades away. Gossip leaders are similar - they gossip because they don’t have the intestinal fortitude to deal with policy and ideas head-on.
When confronted with an honest, open opportunity to air his greivances, the talebearer will either rise to the challenge and become a leader who is willing stick his neck out - or tuck tail and mumble about a misunderstanding.
So how do leaders deal with the surruptitious discussions in the peanut gallery? Some try make decisions based on what others are saying or will say - constantly changing their initial decision in responce to the latest round of gossip. Another leader will attempt to address every single concern in public statements - a solution style that results in page long emails to explain the latest nuance in the dress code. Still other leaders attempt to squelch all gossip or non-formal conversations about their policies by making (sometimes unfounded) accusations or idle threats.
The reality is, people are going to talk - no matter what.
If you are uncomfortable making decisions that others will talk about, then you need to reconsider your desire for a leadership position. At home, my toddlers do not determine their own bedtime. They are free to complain and gossip about their father all they like, but I am responsible for their health. I know that my decision is based on truth and their best interests. They will understand someday, but for now, they might have a bad attitude.
The same principle is in place in the workplace. A leader cannot worry about gossip. Lay out the problem, encourage discussion, request input from others, get all the facts, and finally, make a decision that advances the mission. The opinions of people who refuse to ellucidate their questions and concerns in a public meeting are not worth considering.
Be sure you’re right, then go ahead!
Did you enjoy this post? Why not leave a comment below and continue the conversation, or subscribe to my feed and get articles like this delivered automatically to your feed reader.
Comments
No comments yet.
Leave a comment