I try, I really try not to be a sissy. My problem is I am not an asshole. No worries, I think I am okay here. In our world today (certainly here in the United States) there is too much polarization. You are on the left or the right – there is no middle ground. Thus, if I am not an asshole, I must be a sissy. I need to choose one end of the spectrum. I will not; I can care and be tough. I focus on service in my role as a leader. I see the positive in EVERYONE. Yet, I know when to be tough and direct. I never forget that we have a job to do and goals to accomplish.
I was reminded recently (by another blogger) of one of my earlier posts, Two Sides of the Same Coin, highlighting the importance of both strong leadership and strong management. We can not lose sight of the job at hand and the goals we want to meet. Our balance point is being productive and results-oriented along with a commitment to show respect and compassion. This focus on balance takes us away from the extreme position of this end of the spectrum or the other end of the spectrum, neither a sissy or an asshole.
From here I want to link to a post on the site for Eagle’s Flight. These guys have outstanding experiential training and I have facilitated several of their programs in the past – great actionable stuff for learning. Anyhow, on their post they refer to Google’s “Eight Good Behaviors” and assign each to one of their experiential learning programs. I invite you to explore the Eagle’s Flight catalog and also the Google Eight Good Behaviors. I admit #4 was the inspiration for this post, yep “Don’t Be A Sissy”.
Google’s Eight Good Behaviors:
- Be a good coach
- Empower your team and don’t micromanage
- Express interest in team member’s success and personal well-being
- Don’t be a sissy: Be productive and results-oriented
- Be a good communicator and listen to your team
- Help your employees with career development
- Have a clear vision and strategy for the team
- Have key technical skills so you can help advise the team
There is nothing new here really, but these eight behaviors are powerful through execution and accountability. If this is indeed a common language at Google, then they can be opening addressed and folks can be held accountable.
I guess I could have focused on one of the other behaviors as a basis for my post today, but that sissy thing spoke to me. Really, I am not a sissy. I feel better now.
Remember the balance folks – compassion and results. What do you think?
WeMoveTogether 
You are so right on here it’s not even funny! Great continuation of your Two Sides of the Same Coin post!
it is fun to link back to a earlier post. Thanks for pointing me back there. Happy Sunday to you!
It just so very true, there should not be either or. Being though while also being nice is a fine balance, and a very good skill to posses. I have recently written a blog post about how conflict is not necessarily a bad thing. I stress the fact that conflicts should not be used to defeat the other party, but rather to share opinions and creative ideas in the workplace:
http://norwegiannegotiator.wordpress.com/2012/02/12/everybody-is-stupid-when-you-are-mad-right/
Like you say; don’t be a sissy, but don’t ne an asshole either.
Good to hear from you Negotiator – I agree with you on conflict not necessarily being a bad thing – at times it is even necessary to get to the root of the issue. Thanks and I will check out more of your writing.