Speaking Truth to Power: A Leader's Message

They say, “If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything”.

Most people in the world have made a lasting impact by “Speaking Truth To Power”. Honestly, it’s one of the most powerful statements. So, what is “Speaking Truth To Power”?

Speaking Truth To Power is believing in what you say and fighting every day to have that heard even though it may not be popular. It takes conviction, it may be difficult or scary, however, as a leader, it’s important to be as transparent as you can be. Often, it seems more likely for leaders to find ways of assuaging their employees or followers feelings instead of speaking and sticking to the truth regardless of the consequences. Yes, leaders cannot afford to be reckless with their words and actions. This is true, nevertheless, they cannot continue peddling lies or specializing in untruths and expect their people to look to them for guidance or lead a life that’s intentional and meaningful.

We’ve seen in recent years that Leaders in certain spheres of life are renowned for speaking half-truths and untruths and calling it “Alternative Fact”. They do this with the sole aim of manipulating those who look to them as a way to gain support or have them rally behind some of the decisions they make.

Leaders should speak the truth and encourages others to do the same regardless of the sensitivity of the issue(s) at hand and encourage everyone to also speak the truth. Granted, speaking the truth has a different impact from one sphere to the next. So it’s important to step back and reflect on how by delivering a message can bring their team, organization or their followers a stronger and more united group.

Speaking Truth To Power takes leadership, responsibility and requires a willingness to share problems or issues. Whether it’s within your company, church, sports team, or family. If the issue isn’t addressed, the problems will worsen and require more effort, time, and money to solve. By facing these issues head on, it may be hard in the beginning, but in the end will have a positive impact on your business, and subsequently, will help build a culture of looking at issues truthfully and in-depth which will lead to fast and consistent growth where everyone will reap the benefits.

Conclusively, we have to understand that speaking Truth To Power, requires an absolute understanding of the fact that power will not lay back its advantage. The only thing that can compel power is words and action that are well used.

We’d love to hear what you think it means to speak truth to power. Leave a comment or tweet me at @ayebronze Speaking truth to power is...