— To follow is a bullet of wisdom on leadership. It comes from Tom’s rifle, named Shot, who has seen it all. You’ll get the drift by clicking Blog in the menu above. —
A MESSENGER’S LIFE IS A DANGEROUS ONE. Oh, I have seen it aplenty: Somebody delivers bad news, and “bam,” they’re dead. Shot through the heart, and if not physically dead, they have lost all commitment, enthusiasm, and respect (i.e., no heart) for the feller holding the gun.
Leaders depend on information from all around them and often from sources that are distasteful. Although it may hurt, it’s only information. And information has utility. When leaders start shooting messengers, information ceases. Well, actually, contrary information ceases, and only flattering, often faulty, information gets through. With only that, the leaders will eventually be shot (figuratively, I hope).