The Emperor has been out shopping for new clothes - again.
That was my single reflection after having spent 45 minutes listening to a high-profile business consultant talking about his "method". I mean, we all agree that the emperor is best off wearing clothes; the content of the "method" was not in any way bad or wrong, it was just plain common sense, repeating the same pains and remedies as a long range of other academics and business consultants have spoken and written about hundres, thousands of times. In the reflection break-out session, we discussed what we got ut of it. People started saying "very useful", "interesting", "good perspectives" and all the normal polite comments. I decided to play the Devil's Advocate this time, and basically shared my reflection about the Emperor's New Clothes. My peers started sniggering, saying "well, yes….".
As a keynote speaker, business advisor and in general a person with opinions about things, I may also find myself in situations where my audience or clients think the same as I did today; "Emperor's New Clothes". If, when, that happens, I please ask you to do me a favour: TELL ME YOUR HONEST OPINION. I believe in growth, not through being told polite white lies, but through benign and reflected feedback.
We need to work together to create the future of business and leadership. I believe the best efforts come through helping each other to see problems from new perspectives, through reframing of challenges, and through well-meant feedback.
I promise I will listen to your perspectives.
Comments