"The truth is incontrovertible, malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end there it is." Winston Churchill
Simply put, embracing truth is critical to building prosperity that endures. Personal experience has convinced me that truth is the only foundation on which to build a business value proposition that will stand the test of time.
Most of us can name powerful nations, prominent businesses and influential people who achieved prosperity only to see it transformed into a fading memory when hidden or ignored truths came to light.
Business authors Jim Collins and Patrick Lencioni are among those who have affirmed the importance of truth. Collins, in his best-selling book “Good to Great,” has an entire chapter on pursuing truth. The tactics Lencioni suggests as ways to overcome “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” and “The Five Temptations of a CEO” all rely upon truth.
Theodore Roosevelt captured the relationship between truth and endurance well: “We cannot afford to differ on the question of honesty if we expect our republic permanently to endure. Honesty is not so much a credit as an absolute prerequisite to efficient service to the public.”
Leaders, those who have the opportunity to impact others, have an inherent responsibility to pursue, embrace, communicate and defend the truth for the benefit of all who follow them. They must pursue the truth about themselves, others and the world around them.
It is equally important that leaders pursue the truth in absolute terms, seeking to find and understand principals that transcend time and circumstance.
This is no easy task. It requires discernment, wisdom, humility, confidence and courage. In the words of Andrew Jackson: “One man with courage makes a majority.”
Discovering truth requires persistence. It is a lifelong pursuit. This journey begins when we accept personal responsibility for finding the truth. Great leaders are not passive in the pursuit of the truth. They are curious and inquisitive. Great leaders ask great questions; read, observe and reflect; obtain and consider wise counsel; explore opposing viewpoints; and test everything.
Making real progress on this lifelong journey requires traction. More is better. Traction comes from personal accountability. Great leaders become transparent, know and share their values, ask for and welcome feedback, focus on results, admit mistakes and ask for help.
Investing time and energy to master these steps will repay you well. The more immediate benefits of truth include trust, respect, loyalty, credibility, speed, accuracy, resiliency, personal growth, healing, strong relationships and a clear conscience.
This is the good stuff that frees you and your team to do your best work day in and day out.
A final word of caution: Truth often will be rejected unless it is delivered out of sincere concern for another’s well-being. In a future article we will talk more about how to speak the truth so others can accept it.
Until then, lead well.
Trussell is president of Harbor Consulting Group
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