Replacing Reasoning With Rhetoric Doesn't Make You Right!

After more than three decades of consulting to numerous industries and not-for-profit organizations on a variety of topics and subjects, including management, marketing, leadership, operations, conference and convention planning, negotiations, etc., I have come to recognize that most businesses and organizations suffer from the safe recurrent obstacle, when it comes to getting something accomplished. Especially in the last several years, it has become commonplace and, almost fashionable, for leaders to replace the important fundamentals required for effectively reasoning, with lots of rhetoric and "techno-jargon."

When I am listening to a person in a leadership position who finds it necessary to constantly intersperse jargon and rhetoric into the conversation, it sets off an almost "early warning system" in my brain, that this "leader" probably doesn't have a clue. Common rhetorical "warning" words include: anything to do with "governance" if it is referred to as a major priority; any reference to "managerial style" if used as an explanation for why someone will not take action; excessive use of the term, "micromanage" as something that is evil and must be avoided; an over-dependence on "delegating" responsibilities; a constant reference to "reviews" (especially if the individual refers to a specific method); constantly saying something like "staff-driven;" and especially when someone says, "I don't like to interfere," or "It's not my style," or "I'm not comfortable doing that."

Another area that is extremely disconcerting, in the last few years, is the tendency for volunteer fiscal officers to be unprepared or under-prepared as to the necessities of the position. Effective organizations create specific training programs and orientations for all new officers with any type of either fiscal responsibility or oversight.

One of the biggest obstacles that organizations today face is that far too few of their "leaders" are capable of seeing "the big picture." They often over-estimate or under-estimate situations, but all too rarely put things in their proper proportions. These individuals often demonstrate very little perception, and even less attention to detail, or follow through. Basically, these individuals repeat their rhetoric so often that they "buy into the hype," and replace reasoning with rhetoric, and this almost invariably leads to a lack of reasoning. Just because someone uses certain rhetoric and jargon does not make them right!

Many wonder why so many organizations are undergoing such difficult times today. While there are many factors involved, including economic conditions, sociological factors, time utilization, etc., those organizations that strive to make themselves relevant and a priority continue to thrive. Any organization that wishes to thrive must examine itself fully and the way it operates, and spends money, etc., but, even more importantly must emphasize training its present and future leaders on what it really means to lead.