Clarify Before Criticizing

Have you ever said something incredibly critical about someone only to find out later that you were wrong?

It's a tough situation for a leader. It can be embarrassing. You can find out that the person you criticized was correct in the long wrong and far more important to you than you'd ever realized.

I've jumped to conclusions at times only to look for ways to jump back to where I'd started. The trouble is, there's no reverse gear to conclusion jumping. You get where you're headed, whether you like it there or not.

As a result, I tell myself to pull back a little before making that jump.

What does it mean to be truly centered? How do effective leaders make the best of their information, make intelligent choices, and avoid jumping to conclusions?

Centered leaders clarify before criticizing.

Ask questions. Listen carefully. Suspend judgement. Smile.

Remember, it's almost never too late to criticize, if that's what you really want to do and if that's what really serves you best. Surprisingly often, though -- it's NOT what serves you best.

Try it out today. If an impulse arises to criticize someone (whether they're actually with you or not), stop. Think about it. Clarify .

Everyone does something for a reason. Do you know what that person's reasons are?

Centered leaders clarify before criticizing -- and often leave the criticizing behind in favor of exploration -- and collaboration.

-- Douglas Brent Smith

Learn more in the workshop: Communicating for Results

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