Leadership & Political Correctness
By Mike Myatt, Chief Strategy Officer, N2growth
Politically Correct Leader? OXYMORON…Great leaders are not politically correct, but they are politically savvy – there is a difference. Putting political agendas and peer pressure aside (as great leaders do), leaders should not make their choices based upon public opinion. Rather they should benchmark their decisions against the question of “is it the right thing to do?” If recent economic, political, and financial circumstances in this country haven’t convinced you that truth and candor matter, then you may want to stop reading here…be forewarned that there are few things in business, and in life in general, that I loathe more than those who adopt a politically correct stance. That said, buckle-up and join me for a ride as we journey into the politically incorrect mind of Mike Myatt…
The institutionalization of “Politically Correct Thinking” in the corporate world has done more to harm operating businesses than just about any other social and/or cultural influence in recent times. I don’t know about you, but it’s almost as if we have raised a generation of leaders who feel they have a moral and ethical obligation to be politically correct – WRONG. How sad is this? Their responsibility is to be correct; not politically correct. In my opinion politically correct thinking is a large contributor to a decrease in workplace productivity, and of greater concern, to the moral and ethical decay of our society. Are these extreme statements? Perhaps some may think so, but being authentic to my politically incorrect self, I think not.
As a CEO Coach I am often asked to provide counsel on the political hot potato de jure, and let me be perfectly clear that it is not only possible, but preferable, to successfully handle highly charged political topics without being politically correct. Do you ever wonder how the term “Politically Correct” evolved from an obscure catch-phrase that was once used to label those who would not take a controversial position to the dominant mind-set of the day in our society? The politically correct assault has invaded classrooms, the media, the work place, federal, state and local government, the judiciary, the church, the military, and even casual discussions with friends and family. It has spread to pandemic proportions, crossing boarders and cultures, such that you’d be hard pressed to actually find someone under the age of 40 who hasn’t had substantial amounts of “diversity training”. Even the term change, a concept once reserved for the innovative and revolutionary, has been hi-jacked by the politically correct.
Before those of dissenting (politically correct) opinions become too outraged with my position, let me be perfectly clear that I believe strongly in respect and compassion. These characteristics should be present in all human beings. They are admirable qualities so long as they don’t take precedence over, ignore, or contradict truth. The main problem with politically correct thinking is that it confuses kindness and courtesy with bureaucratic mandates, and ends up stripping people of their real opinions. I’m not advocating being mean-spirited, arrogant, judgmental, or self-righteous…quite to the contrary. It is very possible, and preferable to have truth and compassion co-exist without being subject to political correctness.
Think about it…wouldn’t it be more prudent to let the facts and/or the truth surrounding a particular matter to rise above the rhetoric and guide your actions rather than to blindly adopt an attitude of political correctness? Of course it would, except for one huge problem…In the face of conflict, dissension, threats, or controversy, people tend to go default to denial, justification and rationalization. In today’s politically correct world it is just easier form most people to hide in the safety of the majority and coast along without making any waves, than it is to take on the risk of being outspoken, innovative, disruptive, challenging, convicted, bold, controversial or truthful…Therein lies the problem with political correctness.
By its very nature politically correct thinking is most often disingenuous and intellectually dishonest. Politically correct thinking replaces individuality and authentic opinions with socially acceptable rhetoric and watered-down behavioral tendencies. I actually miss the days when most conversations consisted of unpredictable, highly charged, and stimulating discourse where people were encouraged to openly share their true thoughts and opinions.
The irony of politically correct thinking is that a society void of individual thought actually creates the opposite of diversity…it is in fact politically correct thinking that results in a brainwashed group of sheep who completely lack diversity as a result of a generification of thoughts and actions. The dark secret behind politically correct thinking is that it slowly dulls your senses, and neuters your innate ability to be discerning. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to hear what you think I want you to say, or what you think you should say, but rather I want to hear what you’re really thinking. Have you ever sat in a meeting where all parties sit around the table with a deer in the headlights look trying to figure out how to dance around an issue rather than address it head-on? It is this type of issue that pollutes our culture, stifles innovation, undermines our productivity, and sentences those who embrace politically correct thinking to mediocrity.
The issues of safety and security also come into play when dealing with politically correct thinking. The sad reality is that many people believe so strongly that there is safety in numbers that they will compromise their own thoughts, and ultimately their integrity by adopting a “safe” position, rather than take the risk of standing strongly for their beliefs. It has become more important to “do things right” rather than to “do the right things.” Blending in has become in vogue, while making waves via independent thinking has become socially inappropriate behavior.
In the end, leadership that adopts politically correct behavior and thinking places themselves and their organizations at great peril. You cannot be an effective leader subordinating right thinking to popular thinking. The simple truth is that leaders who are intellectual honest and politically savvy, are more effective…they are the antithisys of being politically correct.
So, back to the original question…How do I feel about political correctness in the workplace? My world, albeit I’m in the minority in my perspective, is one where humility, respect and compassion are required, excellence is demanded and politically correct behavior is not tolerated. A generic thought, ambivalence, attempting to fly under the radar, and mediocre performance will place you squarely in my cross hairs and may cost you your job. If you don’t make waves and challenge the status quo you won’t work for me for very long.
What say you?
I agree. Great read
Thanks Daniel…I appreciate the kind words and thanks for stopping by.
Mike – you have hit it right on the head with your thought that “Great leaders are NOT politically Correct – but they are politically savvy” – followers HATE a manger or leader that plays politics – that manipulates – that holds back the truth. People want – above all else – honesty. They want transparency – they want respect and they want… they need… the truth. One of my favorite sayings is: “People without access to information do not have to take responsibility for their actions. This is so true. If you are not open, honest, frank and transparent with your people – you cannot fully empower them to solve the big problems and make great things happen. Leadership is about telling the truth with courage, candor, honesty… and empathy. Great post Mike!
Hi John:
Thanks for the kind words John – I really liked: “Leadership is about telling the truth with courage, candor, honesty… and empathy." Well said John – Thanks for adding value to the conversation…
Mike —
As usual, a terrific post…and it illuminates an extraordinarily important issue for leaders!
My favorite line: "The dark secret behind politically correct thinking is that it slowly dulls your senses, and neuters your innate ability to be discerning. "
I love how you balance your desire for intense, provoking debate with the fact leaders need to be humble, transparent, and honest with their teams.
A terrific and insightful commentary!
Scott
Well, for me being politically correct = status quo, and quite frankly that’s not very inspiring! Some of the world’s great leaders might have been called crazy at first, but were later hailed as heroes for rejecting the status quo and forging new and innovative ways to get things done.
I believe a good leader respects and values people and civil laws, but there is lots of room for a good leader to move within that framework. Also, a good leader will seek to have amendments or revisions made to laws that are archaic or no longer serving the good of the people weather corporately, privately or publicly through the government.
When an insightful leader sees a new and better way to do things and communicates that in a clear and compassionate way, those who are ready to move forward will get on board. People instinctively know when those who are leading them have their best interest in mind. I’m convinced that the leader with a track record of integrity can dare to color outside the lines of “political correctness” and make a big difference in the world.
Great topic Mike!
Thanks Scott – I appreciate your observations. Balance is really the key to success in most things isn't it? To be clear, being balanced doesn't mean that you're not committed, not sold-out, not passionate – it just means you apply filters to your efforts to insure that passions are productive and healthy; not imbalanced. Great thoughts Scott…
Hi Bridget:
You said: "I’m convinced that the leader with a track record of integrity can dare to color outside the lines of “political correctness” and make a big difference in the world." In my experience your observation is not theoretical, but factual in nature.
People might be used to being patronized by politically correct leaders, they might tolerate it, but somewhere deep down in their subconscious they don't like it. Truth may not always taste good to begin with, but when leaders embrace the truth, stand for the truth and don't settle for less than the truth great things can be accomplished.
Thanks for the great insights Bridget…
GREAT post, Mike. You not only hit the nail on the head… you drove it clean through the board. If you want to lead this 'Revolution', count me in
You are correct ~ There is an epedemic ~ blatent acknowledgement of Truth, however graciously it is delivered, rocks the boat and is not tolerated. Being politically correct is a cry for security… and… Security is the Enemy of Freedom. As long as a culture values security over truth, it is doomed to pedestrianism and mental slavery.
Milquetoast leadership is inoculable. We need to look to leadership examples of truly radical, innovative, in-your-face teams like that at Nucor Steel. They used to 'duke' it out behiind closed doors and call it like they see it… but when they emerged they are arm-in-arm and they crush the status quo.
Yes, Leaders need to be role models for commpassion, mentorship, coaching, etc. but sugar-coating the truth is an affront to character-based leadership.
Well done… Well done indeed
Mark
Everything you say on the topic is right on. Wait, am I now just telling you what you want to hear?
Steve Keating talked about Judgecernment – the ability to combine judgment and discernment. It's one thing to be respectful. But politically correct suggests that the truth is sacrificed for safety. Being politically correct is the point at which respect for others turns into cowardice related to the issue or problem. When anyone subordinates the organization's vision for individual comfort, failure is inevitable.
We do need to get where we can handle disagreement and discourse again, but I can't disagree with you much on this topic.
Mike…
Mike,
I printed out your post and read it over a couple times. As usual your writing is dense. Not that you are, just your writing.
Correct me if I am wrong. Your definition of PC = being governed by public opinion.
However if PC = treating people with humility, respect, and compassion while expecting the best from them, then I want to be PC
I agree completely that one cannot lead and live by public opinion. For example, Martin Luther King was not PC.
I'm troubled by the generic approach of "treating everyone the same." It's not JUST to treat everyone the same. Justice is treating equals equally and unequals unequally.
I'm also troubled by the PC facade of welcoming diversity…. until someone offers up an alternative or unacceptable idea. If we aren't careful PC becomes tyranny. We end up ruled by the elite.
You said, "blending in has become in vogue." I heard someone say (wish I could credit the statement) The world belongs NOT to those who fit in but to those who stand out.
One quality all leaders must have is a willingness, perhaps a "humble" desire to stand out so that their life delivers maximum benefit for others.
Love your work….although you scare me sometimes
Leadership Freak
Dan Rockwell
Hi Mike – your thought that "When anyone subordinates the organization's vision for individual comfort, failure is inevitable." used to be ingrained into the moral fabric of our society. I believe that for the masses this sentiment as a core value ceased to be the case a few decades ago, and the trend is still going the wrong direction. It has been eroded over time such that real leaders who actually have principled character stand out as the exception and not the rule these days. While society might get angry over poor leadership, they clearly aren't mad enough yet, because they still tolerate it.
Thanks for sharing Mike
P.S.
I enjoyed your interview with Steve today – well done.
Love this: "Milquetoast leadership is inoculable." If there is anything worth getting bent out of shape for, it is this issue. Without sound, principled leadership everything else suffers. The first step in solving the problem is to deal in whole truths, not untruths or partial truths. The needed change you speak of will not come easily as people have become addicted to short-term behaviors that are not arrived at by value based thinking and decisioning. Thanks for sharing Mark.
AWESOME Post Mike. Right on, right on, right on! I can't tell you how many times I work with executives and leaders who are more worried about being safe and politically correct than they are about doing the right thing for the business. Most of the turnarounds I work with ended up in a mess partly because leaders refused to step and and do what needed to be done – which often was politically incorrect:)
I believe that part of a leader's drive toward being politically correct is a desire to be popular. Being politically correct lets you avoid rocking the boat – even when the whole ship needs to be turned upside down. As I often say to clients – Popularity is not part of a leaders' job description. So get over it.
I love this line…
"My world, albeit I’m in the minority in my perspective, is one where humility, respect and compassion are required, excellence is demanded and politically correct behavior is not tolerated."
You may be in the minority, but you're not alone cause I'm in that world right next to you my friend.
Thanks for the fabulous thoughts Mike! As always, you tell it the way it needs to be told!
Reb
Hi Dan:
Thanks for spending so much time on this piece and I apologize for not better communicating my position. To be clear, PC is NOT humility, respect, and compassion while expecting the best from them. PC often feigns of this, but rarely accomplishes it. What you've described is what I would call excellent leadership. If you look at some of the other comments you'll find that the common thread of discontent with PC is that it doesn't deal in truth. In a PC environment truth is subordinated to other interests to the benefit of a select few without regard for the benefit of others. This is simply not right thinking from my perspective. I don't mean to scare you and I always appreciate your support…Thanks Dan.
Hi Reb:
I can't think of too many environments that would point out the pit-falls of flawed thinking more than a company in need of a turnaround. When you find an organization in crisis, you can most times peel back the layers on poor decision, after poor decision, after poor decision. While many of these decisions may have been well intended, truth and reality were likely displaced by popular thought and personal agendas. What great perspective you have on this issue. Thanks for drawing the accurate analogy Reb.
Mike,
Fantastic post. It reminds me of a favorite quote…
"Most of us feel that others will not tolerate emotional honesty in communication. We would rather defend our dishonesty on the grounds that we might hurt others (or have them not like us), and having rationalized our phoniness into nobility, we settle for superficial relationships." ~ John Powell, S.J.
Communication that isn't honest and authentic is simply a waste of everyone's time.
Mike, this is a good take on this. Political Correctness is a form of denial. I believe it gained traction in the seventies because it benefited the labeler more than the label-ee. It has served the user under the guise of kindness. Unfortunately, it gives the appearance of action without really having to do anything. It does more to obscure reality than to draw attention to an issue so that something may be done about it. It covers more than it reveals. As you say, we need to approach issues with humility, kindness, understanding and sensitivity, but it does not serve us well to hide behind politically correct labels. It dulls the senses.
Hi Mike,
I'm the one who wasn't clear. The IF on if PC = humility etc was meant to be a hypothetical if…. sorry man.
Keep it up,
Dan
Mike,
One of the elements I so appreciate about your blog is that it always gives me an opportunity to think about an important topic and process & sometimes further refine my perspective on that topic. Your comment about the importance of being able to bring discernment into play as we interact with others is at the heart of leadership in my opinion.
Over time as I have had I chance to reflect on leadership I have become more convinced of the power and significance associated with having ‘diversity of thinking’ present. At some point you need to make decisions to move forward, but if those decisions are not vetted against alternative approaches (& thinking) you run the risk of missing important components that can impact the outcomes of those decisions.
For me this topic centers on whether or not I am willing to explore options as compared to a more ‘auto-pilot’ type of approach. As you state so eloquently humility, respect, compassion and seeking to keep the ‘needs of all’ front & center in the midst of moving forward are good elements to keep in mind. If I find myself moving away from this approach I fear I am really not waling the talk of leadership.
Thanks for getting this conversation launched Mike
Got it…my bad. Thanks for clarifying Dan. Have a great evening.
You've got that right…But isn't it amazing that so many people are so fearful of the truth? While I guess I shouldn't be, I'm always taken aback by the numbers of people who will so easily over-complicate their lives rather than have open and honest discourse. Thanks for sharing the amazing quote Ken.
Leave it to Michael McKinney to get right at the heart of the issue by addressing root-level motivation – "it benefits the labeler more than the label-ee."
Brilliant observation Michael…Thanks for the keen insight.
Hi Dave –
Diversity of thought is critical to the success of any enterprise presupposing one requisite – that it is honest thought. While smart leaders won't tolerate a culture built on the "yes man" approach to business, neither will they tolerate politically correct thinking.
Real leaders like to be challenged – they want to be inspired by new ideas and creative thoughts. They are even willing to put up with running down a few rabbit trails in the pursuit of innovation as long as efforts are based upon honesty, candor, and the good of the overall organization. Thanks for adding to the discussion Dave. Have a great evening Sir.
Political correctness panders to the needs of the ego – which of course is rooted in fear. If we operate from a level of consciousness beyond the ego – in other words, our higher self, spirit or soul, then we experience no such fear. Not only that, our actions will always be rooted in compassion and and understanding that we are all connected. I once read a T shirt which had a slogan on it that went somthing like: There are 3 things you can't hide: The sun, the moon and the truth! Political correctness treats us all as idiots – as if nobody can really see the truth shining through..but when the ego is in control in our leading, this is one of the unfortunate consquences. Fab post! thanks. Sarah
Thanks for the kind words Sarah. I liked your reference to fallacy that the truth can somehow be hidden – it cannot. It will always surface at some point in time. Thanks for adding to the conversation Sarah.
What a rich topic that puts an "elephant" on the table that I, like you, believe puts organizations and society at great peril.
I have seen this at play as both an employee and a consultant. Many people in positions of leadership these days espouse a commitment to open communication – they recognize the risk of politically correct behavior and would agree 100% with what you are saying. I don't think you are in the minority in your view.
As you point out though we are now faced with a culture of political correctness> It no longer comes just from the "top" but is deeply ingrained in our belief system, especially when it comes to work environments. To speak "your truth" is perceived to be a potentially career limiting, if not ending move. Unfortunately that belief remains in tact, often lurking undistinguished in the background, as people rise up the corporate ladder. And if you succeed by learning to be politically correct in an organization what is the incentive to be anything else?
This belief is all too often reinforced by organizational folklore, yet in the instances where I have checked out the facts, the stories have been more fictional than truthful. Sometimes that is because the real reasons someone was let go could not be communicated and, in the absence of full disclosure of the truth, people make up the reason that fits with their pre-existing beliefs.
Yet I have also seen people first hand who had something to say that defied the dominant beliefs of those around them be completely tuned out rather than heard. And I have seen others "fall out of favor" as well, Both situations do a lot of harm to the individual and the system. Although I have yet to see someone lose their job for taking a stand or "calling it like they see it".
The most effective leaders, the ones who are politically saavy rather than politically correct as you so eloquently put it, understand how their power affects other people's willingness to speak up. They not only listen better than most, but also invite and value the "unpredictable, highly charged, and stimulating discourse where people were encouraged to openly share their true thoughts and opinions". Clearly you are one of those people which is a very good thing for all of us considering who you coach!
I live in a country where declaring something is black when everyone can clearly see that it is red, is the order of the day. I have called my company, The New Leader (Nhà Lãnh Đạo Mới ) because I seeking to influence, people, companies and even the nation. That to speak with integrity, authenticity and congruence is the most efficient, effective way to influence(lead) others. I also like Mike believe that truth mixed with compassion and respect is a very powerful position when seeking to make a difference in a world where deception and falsity have become an art form.
While building rapport with others is extremely important and ultimately is done by becoming trusted and that is build upon truth, integrity, congruence and authenticity.
Lets be correct not politically correct.
Agreed – Let's be correct not politically correct. I offer my best wishes for success with your new company and your mission. Please stop by again and keep us updated. Thank for your comment.
Hi Susan:
You did a bit more than ponder didn't you?
Thanks for the great analysis and the context within which it was framed. Your observations were spot-on, particularly with regard to people making-up reasons to fit their pre-existing beliefs in absence of the truth Thanks for sharing Susan.