• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Adam Kirk Smith

- A. Smith Blog - Leadership in Life

  • The Bravest You
  • Blog
    • Leadership
    • Communication
    • Creativity
    • Focus
    • Relationships
  • Podcasts & Video
    • Podcast: Live Life with Purpose
    • Podcast: Ideas with Adam Smith
    • asmithvideo
  • Coaching & Consulting
  • Speaking

Glenn Brooke | February 17, 2017 | Leave a Comment

Two Errors to Avoid

Share on FacebookTweet on TwitterShare on Linkedin
PinterestRedditStumbleuponBufferMail

People say that we live in more polarized times than “ever before.” I doubt that. The political view fracturing in the US is hardly unique in US history – there was a War of Independence and then a Civil War, after all. There are conflicts and tensions around the world, just as in every time in history. I agree with my friend who fears what kind of external threat would be required before people could be unified. “Maybe we would benefit from an alien invasion,” he points out.

We have divides and conflicts in our organizations as well. It’s the human condition. Mark Horstman of Manager Tools says the definition of conflict is two human beings in the same county.

Leaders must avoid two errors:

Error number 1: Pure binary thinking.

I like what my colleague Gary Young says: “There are at least 2 sides to every story.” Navigating complicated situations requires understanding and appreciating interacting factors. There are tradeoffs and compromises that are required in an imperfect world. Sometimes relationships need to be held higher than technicalities. Sometimes legal and policy realities must be held even when relationships are hurt.

Error number 2: “Moderation in everything.” Middle of the road, don’t rock the boat, go with the flow, the tall tree gets hit by lightning. You must have principles. There must be truths you hold to. Leaders cease to be leaders when they drift along like flotsam in a stream. You have the power of choice. Understand that choices have consequences, and deal with it.

If those two errors are ditches, then your leadership opportunity is to find the decent-sized road in the middle.

Share on FacebookTweet on TwitterShare on Linkedin
PinterestRedditStumbleuponBufferMail

Filed Under: Leadership

Glenn Brooke

Glenn considers leadership a craft which requires dedicated pursuit. The apprentice model (instruction + practice + associating with other craftsmen) is the time-tested way to foster the next generation of leaders. Real leaders never stop working on their craft; there are only new levels of mastery ahead. Learn more at leadershipcraft.com.

To make sure you don’t miss out on new posts and other important updates, you can join thousands of other people and subscribe via email below:


Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

The Bravest You by Adam Kirk Smith

Podcast: Ideas

Ideas with Adam Smith Logo

Podcast: Live Life with Purpose

Life With Purpose Podcast Icon

Youtube: ASmithVideo

asmithvideo icon

Latest Posts

  • Books and Other Stuff
  • Close Listening & Other Customer Service Strategies
  • How Word-of-Mouth Marketing Can Generate More Leads
  • How to Thrive in the Digital Age When You Think It’s Overrated
  • How to Use Content to Drive B2B Lead Generation

Footer

Featured Product

The Bravest You by Adam Kirk Smith

Podcast: Ideas

Ideas with Adam Smith Logo

Podcast: Live Life with Purpose

Life With Purpose Podcast Icon

Adam Smith · Leadership in Life · asmithblog.com © 2022 · Adam Kirk Smith's blog on leadership, relationships, communication, creativity, and focus.

  • The Bravest You
  • Blog
  • Podcasts & Video
  • Coaching & Consulting
  • Speaking