Misperceiving

“Seven-word sentences,” he said. He then continued, “Seven simple words,

which is all I am asking of you!”

Perhaps I should provide you with some background, I have been meeting with

an author friend providing me with some writing consultation. He posits, if you can say it

in seven words with clarity and quick understanding, then you provide readers with the

capability to sew the point of your sentence more easily into their mind and thoughts.

So, with that in mind, let me try a seven-word sentence on you aspiring authentic

leaders. Here goes, “Misperception will always lead to unintended consequences.”

The truth represented by those seven words is irrefutable. Misperception gives

momentum to jumping to conclusions, and jumping to conclusion is not a trait of wise,

authentic leaders. Leaders who jump to conclusions make uninformed and illogical

decisions that most often lead to workplace anguish. Perhaps another seven-word

sentence will provide more clarity, “Misperception sets the stage for workplace distress.”

For this reason, wise leaders guard against misperception…all the time!!

Let me offer three actions that will assist any leader as they combat the effects of

misperception. First, listen before you leap. In other words, don’t jump to conclusions or

make ill-informed assumptions based on poor intelligence. Second, learn before you

label. Gather the facts before announcing a culprit. Third, link before you level. Before

leveling judgement be sure to consider and connect the first through third level of effects

and the consequences of these effects on your team or organization. Once again:

-Listen before you leap…

-Learn before you label…

-Link before you level…

If you do these things, you will preserve peace and potential for your team or

organization, as you lead. Anything less is a crisis waiting to happen. The choice is up

to you!