founder of naked leader
Be careful about “doing the right thing”
Naked Leader Week 811 – 4 March 2019
Time to Read: 1 minute
“We must do the right thing” has become a very popular phrase as people, teams and organisations strive to ‘do the right thing’ in these uncertain and challenging times.
A noble and much needed sentiment – with only one flaw – ‘The right thing’ means different things to different people.
How many people do you need in a room to have a disagreement?
Some say two, some say one!
At a recent company conference the CEO said “And my biggest priority is to do the right thing by our people”
He received a long round of applause – it was only afterwards that the many different interpretations of the right thing became apparent, which ranged from emotional well being to being paid more money to being listened to more etc.
So, what to do?
Give the phrase a context – if you say it, define exactly what you mean
If someone says it to you ask: “What exactly is the right thing, in your opinion?”
We all want to do the right thing – we don’t all want to do the same right thing.
With my love and best wishes
David
X
Brilliant perspective. I am definitely going to try this next time someone says that phrase to me or I hear it being said. Thank you!