The higher you climb in an organization, the more isolated you become. Dr Judy Olian believes this is when a leader most needs to be surrounded by truth-tellers. The risks of becoming insular in one’s role are considerable, such as becoming isolated from one’s customers, and no longer correctly perceiving the climate and morale in the organization, nor for that matter the real talent. Leaders need to welcome truth-telling and facilitate an open culture which encourages honest feedback.
Learning Objective
When leaders ascend the ranks, they become isolated from the truth concerning customers, their organization and staff. Dr Judy Olian advocates welcoming:
• Surrounding oneself with truth-tellers
• Welcoming and rewarding the truth, no matter how painful
• Instigating an open culture within the organization
