Sometimes at work we obfuscate what we think and feel, to the extent that when we speak our point, it becomes nearly unrecognizable. Yet when we’re completely up front with ourselves about our work, we’re able to relate more directly with those around us. And the outcome can be truly transformational.
George Papandreou is a surprising example of saying what he means. Surprising, because he’s a politician!
In December 2009, the Prime Minister of Greece was in Brussels for his first meeting with European leaders. From the New York Times story:
[Prime Minister George Papandreaou] might have tried to play for time. Instead, he told them everything. Not only was the Greek deficit twice as high as previously reported, but his country’s finances were also a mess. Corruption was pervasive. Tax evasion, rampant.
“I said, listen, let’s not, you know, beat around the bush,” Mr. Papandreou recalled recently, sitting in his cavernous office at the Maximos mansion, his backpack at his feet, his Kindle on the coffee table. “This is a problem. I will tell you what my view is and what I am trying to do.”
Improbably, perhaps, his strategy worked. Within months, he had managed to secure the bailout he needed while still maintaining good relations with his fellow European leaders — quite a feat, many observers say.
The Prime Minister doesn’t present a candy-coated picture in order to look more favorable. He understands that he needs help, and to procure the assistance he desires, he chooses to be totally candid with his European peers. Which is necessarily a product of being honest with himself, first.
In showing his country’s vulnerabilities, he demonstrates personal confidence, which then yields his allies’ confidence in him. So brilliant.
Have you had a conversation with a peer in which you were up front about the problems you were facing? How did it go?
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