And, while we're here, let's get another thing really clear: Talking out loud takes courage. Whether you're an executive or trying to get there, every time you open your mouth you'll feel like you're putting your ego and reputation on the line. And, if you're an executive, you may be putting your job there too.
Tough. That's why you make the big bucks (no matter how large or small you may think them). Because the only way people can know what you want and what you want the organisation to achieve is to say it. Sometimes over and over again. Ad infinitum. Until you've almost bored yourself to tears.
But if you're an executive, the only way people will believe you mean what you say is if you keep saying it - and then ensure that your actions and your management group's actions are all in alignment with those words.
Because that's the next step: Thoughts. Words. Action.
Once you get your thinking out of your brain and into words, the next most important step is to take action based on those thoughts and words. And the more you demonstrate that alignment, the faster the process will work.
It's not by accident, you know, that companies like eBay and Google just keep expanding and innovating. And it's not just one or two people who are making that happen. It's that - from their inception - their executives created cultures that not only supported but demanded a level of engaged, committed communication that far exceeds standard organisational operating procedures.
And you don't have to be a technology company to make it happen. The best of the best all have that culture - across countries and in every sector.
So start talking out loud about what you think and what you want. And then ask, "How do we get there? What do you think?" and listen hard to the answers.
Eventually, you'll find that you have to do the least talking of anyone. Your vision for your organisation will be achieved and exceeded every day - because you made it happen one word at a time.
Back to Part One
About the author:
Leslie Kossoff is an internationally renowned executive adviser, writer and speaker and one of the most intelligent and perceptive voices on executive and managerial leadership today. She advises clients in both the private sector and the public sector. (www.kossoff.com)
