Much has been written lately, including by me, over the lack of civility that is rearing its ugly head in many corners of our society. Joe Wilson, Kayne West and Serena Williams exhibited the kind of boorish behavior that shocked us into an evaluation of who we are at our core. It’s enough to make our mothers share a collective blush.
Politics, entertainment and sports do not hold unique franchises on this bad behavior, however. The business community has been right there all along.
I should know. I have seen it, from inside the c-suite, where bad behavior is often explained away with platitudes such as “he’s a hard charger,” or “she is committed to results, ” or the always helpful “that’s just Joe being Joe.” I would also know because I was on both sides of this behavior during my executive career, both as the purveyor and the recipient of bad behavior. Not sure which one feels worse.
But we should be better than that. No we are better than that. We just need to remember some of the lessons we learned when we were younger:
- All men (people) are created equal
- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you
- Nobody likes a bully
Much of the bad behavior outgrows ego issues. Either an over-inflated sense of self, or dysfunctional insecurity. Both are destructive and outgrow an internal dialogue that each of us have the ability to change. Change the dialogue and you can change the behavior.
Evidence exists, specific to success in business, for a different model of behavior. Jim Collins in his breakthrough book, Good to Great, identified a profile of some of the most successful long term leaders. Humility was at the core of each and every success story.
I challenge you to adopt a more graceful leadership style. One that recognizes the inherent worth of people. One that refuses to believe the lie that just because you are someone’s boss, that you have permission to treat them badly. After all, what would your mother think.
Good little reminder. I think this sort of behaviour is more due to insecurity than ego. The less said about Joe Wilson the better.
The “How To” transform behavior that is toxic in the corporate culture is beautifully painted in a recent business tome TRIBAL LEADERSHIP. The structure and corporate conversations are brilliantly outlined.
Of course, hiring a corporate Coach such as Mr. Angelo, can powerfully intervene in toxic environments transforming the egocentric noise to committed passionate responses worthy of a mature responsible member of an enlightened corporate culture. Under separate copy, I am sending you a doc from Netflix you will appreciate re: power of culture to transform.