— 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 at www.tomnewhouse.com. —
TURKEY DAY. I call it Thanksgiving! When you are a rifle and you have been on a hunt, you are thankful for what you bag. But I stray…. What I really want to express is the need to tell things like they are. Straight talk is best. Difficult perhaps, but best. In need of massaging, of course, but best. Talk turkey.
Leaders have to communicate. How do it? Take a lesson from the turkey (and Shot): Be frank and practical. Yes, yes, adjust your communication to fit the other party, but get to the point without apology. Don’t let tack be the focus. Tack is what you use to get the messages out clearly and forthrightly. People want to know that you care about them, but they know you are the leader and they want to hear what you have to say. Say it. Don’t hint it. Don’t delegate it. Don’t delay, disguise, or dangle. Enough don’ts. Talk turkey.