The Need for Truth
Our world demands we operate in 100% of the truth.
The truth is not convenient. Nor is it always nice. Nor pretty. Nor easy. Nor popular. Nor is it as easily accessible in today’s volatile and unpredictable environment. And therein lies a challenge that only human-centered leaders can expertly tackle.
The challenge of getting to 100% of the truth, 100% of the time can be arduous when those on either extreme are working to diminish “the truth” by replacing it with “their truth”. One reason the truth seems so elusive is that the half-truths, misrepresentations, and manipulations abound when the stakes are high. Few of us want to be found in the crosshairs of a fight between polarized players, and many are fearful of speaking up because of what either side might say. The fear of what to say or how to question stops the truth, or at least the search for the truth, dead in its tracks.
The moveable middle of our companies and society requires the truth – the whole truth. It is what allows us to stand strong and tall, regardless of the controversy at hand. Yet, again and again, we are seeing the media shamelessly share only partial truths, politicians make up their own truths, and people left to fend for any truth. When information is removed, the choices we make are limited.
Human-centered leaders do the work to find the truth. They are willing to challenge their own perspective and seek information that expands their outlook. They are willing to be right and wrong. They want the real and full information. Human-centered leaders don’t get discouraged by the inherent complexities of conflict. They listen openly and lean in with a willingness to learn, understand, and address problems.
Ask yourself: Do you operate in 100% of the truth? Think about your organization, family unit, or any community you belong to as you consider the following questions:
Are there issues you are avoiding, ignoring, or circumventing that warrant further conversation?
When others have a different perspective from yours, how do you respond? How do you listen? Are you able to listen without responding?
Where do you see extremes dominating and potentially silencing or overriding the middle? How can you bring more attention to the middle?
This is hard, but important work. It is work that is not just setting up success today, but success that is sustainable. It is about looking at the whole of your company, but more, focusing on the group that you can activate and who will drive future success without the barriers of the extremes.
Leaders who give and receive 100% of the truth develop radically transparent and trusting organizational cultures, creating the space for belonging by ensuring that mutual respect and difficult conversations go hand in hand. Encouraging 100% of the truth does not allow for an atmosphere of disrespect or aggression, but it does call for trust, self-awareness, empathy, humility, and honesty.
Demanding 100% of the truth takes challenging the forces that divide and disconnect us. Human-centered leaders demonstrate an unwavering commitment to doing the work of change to bring people back together in the spirit of belonging. They arrive at the truth through their bravery, something the world needs from all of us. And we all need the truth – 100% of it.
Brad
You can order copy of my book, Belonging Rules at the link below:
https://bit.ly/3VYo6Nr