One of the most important lessons for any leader to learn is that nothing they say is off the record. Certainly, for public servants – social media broadcasts everything, and then some. And even in companies, employees listen to everything, looking for information; and in that environment it’s hard to hide a harsh or false word. As a strong proponent of internal communications, I’ve learned that management must speak with a single voice, and it’s very important to train managers and supervisors how to communicate effectively; remember, the difference between a good manager and a great one is their ability to communicate. We used to pay for Dale Carnegie courses – while they’re still very good, there are many more options online and in local community colleges. Not only do those provide skills and practice, but they reinforce the idea that you should always speak as if someone’s listening, or maybe more important these days, if someone’s recording. Think before you speak and speak as though what you say could be on posted on social media or tonight’s 6 o’clock news. Nobody wants to read about their words in the news or to worry that they might be held responsible of it through time and eternity. If you can’t defend it – don’t say it; if you wouldn’t want your mother to hear it, don’t say it. Be factual. Be thoughtful. Be clear today.
Abraham Lincoln (1809 – 1865): The 16th president of the United States, serving from 1861 until his assassination in 1865. He led the United States through the American Civil War, played a major role in the abolition of slavery, expanded the power of the federal government, and modernized the U.S. economy.
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