Telling Truth to Power
I have found myself more and more often speaking about my book, Vibrant Vulnerability. And the growing audience is CEO and C-Suite leaders who aren’t engaged in philanthropy. Part of the development in my remarks was calculating how to tell Truth to Power when they don’t want to hear what I am saying…
I literally have written down what is important in the messaging… how I say what I say. How I elevate myself and the content to a place where they can’t ignore it. I am learning that the language I use and the expertise I bring to the table are crucial for ensuring your message is heard and taken seriously.
For language, I have learned…
Clear and Direct: Use straightforward language that leaves no room for misinterpretation. Avoid jargon unless it’s specific to the field and understood by the person you’re addressing.
Respectful and Professional: Maintain a tone that is respectful and professional, regardless of the gravity of the issue. This helps prevent defensiveness and keeps the focus on the message rather than the delivery.
Neutral and Objective: Present your points in a neutral and objective manner. Avoid emotional language, personal attacks, or loaded words that might trigger a negative reaction.
Fact-Based and Evidence-Driven: Ground your statements in facts and evidence. Use data, case studies, or examples to support your points. This makes your argument harder to dismiss.
Solution-Oriented: Frame your language in a way that focuses on solutions rather than just problems. This demonstrates that you are not just criticizing but are also invested in finding a way forward.
Inclusive and Collaborative: Use language that invites dialogue and collaboration. Phrases like "we can" or "together" emphasize that you are part of the same team, working towards a common goal.
To elevate my expertise, I have to think about the following:
Subject Matter Knowledge: Deep understanding of the issue at hand is essential. Your expertise lends credibility to your message and shows that you are speaking from an informed position.
Understanding of Power Dynamics: Recognize the political and organizational dynamics at play. This includes knowing who the key stakeholders are, what their interests might be, and how decisions are typically made within the organization.
Communication Skills: The ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively is critical. This includes both verbal and written communication.
Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing your emotions, as well as those of the person in power, helps in navigating difficult conversations effectively. Being empathetic can also help you frame your message in a way that resonates with the listener.
Strategic Thinking: Be able to see the bigger picture and understand how your message fits into broader organizational or societal goals. This helps in positioning your truth as not just necessary but beneficial for all involved.
Resilience and Patience: The ability to persist despite resistance or setbacks is important. Power structures don’t change overnight, and patience is often required to see the impact of your efforts.
Using the right language and having the necessary expertise will significantly increase the likelihood that my message will be heard, respected, and acted upon. And this experience has allowed me to think about how to use these same skills in other conversations…always to get to a better outcome for all.
