I feel I should preface this post with the declaration that I don’t intend to cover political issues in my blog. However, the background of the current UK political climate gives me a setting for my thoughts on capability and leadership, and how external appearances can be deceptive.
Like many of you I have been watching the televised debates by the 3 main political party leaders and it occurred to me how easily the eye can deceive. We look for signs of confidence and good presentation skills, we may comment on dress sense and consider how well each individual controls their temper when put under pressure during the debate. We may be worried that one participant seems to be joining in the debate less than their counterparts. And yet, and yet…..
It’s so tempting – so human – to place a high value on appearances and externally-focussed behaviours. In the Kennedy-Nixon televised debate of 1960, Kennedy seemed to be the most convincing (their contrasting looks didn’t hurt him, either). Yet those people who listened to the radio broadcast believed that Nixon won the debate.
If I make the link to people assessment processes – something which is a common factor in my work with organizations – I see something similar happening very frequently. The candidate who is socially-adept, the extraverts and the well-rehearsed can often sway a manager’s judgment. In group exercises, it is easier to comment on those who are the most vocal over the quiet thoughtful ones who often, and unfairly, lose out during these assessments.
In my free White Paper (see Free Articles To Download at the top of this blog) on ‘Capability - What Is Your Potential?’ I cover these points in more detail. Yes, we want managerial and political leaders who inspire us to follow them but, as ever, the devil is in the detail. Are they fully capable, in terms of cognitive capacity, knowledge and skills? Do their values and ethics synergize with what the work role and the organizational context require? Buzz words and statements are easy to mimic. We need to dig deeper to uncover their true capability. We owe that to our organizations – and our country too.
About Me
- Christine Baker
- Hereford, United Kingdom
- I run Requisite Development Ltd, a consultancy specialising in diagnostics and solutions for developing people and organizations, based on the unique Requisite Organization Management Model created by Dr Elliott Jaques. We coach managers in the use of our techniques to save time, money and stress, transferring our expertise to them so they can run their organizations successfully and harmoniously. I am also involved in a number of academic research projects and am now looking to conduct research into the maturation of mental capability in children and its implications for their high-school education (anyone interested in joining me in this particular field would be very welcome). Prior to starting my own consultancy I held senior managerial roles in retail banking and HR Development functions within one of the UK's top banks.
Thursday, 29 April 2010
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