Imagine playing a game of “Two Truths & A Lie”with your team—except no one ever reveals what is and isn’t true. Every pronouncement has layers of ambiguity. This lack of clarity doesn’t just affect productivity—it slowly erodes trust.
Today’s world is flooded with misinformation, deepfakes, and technology that can twist facts faster than you can say “ChatGPT .” As leaders, we face the challenge of cutting through the noise and staying grounded in what’s real.
Discerning the Real from the Fake
Discerning the truth has become more crucial than ever. And let’s be honest, it’s not just about truth-telling anymore—it’s about creating cultures that live and breathe authenticity and transparency.
Sometimes truth is liberating. Sometimes truth is upsetting. As Gloria Steinham said, “The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off.”
The best thing you can do as a leader? Commit to truth-telling and truth-discerning practices in everything you do. This means not just telling the truth but also making sure everyone on your team knows what’s real and what’s just noise. It’s a skill, and it can be developed. Start by asking yourself these questions:
- How can I make truth a non-negotiable in my organization?
- How do I distinguish between facts, assumptions, and biases in decision-making?
- Am I willing to create a culture where truth-telling is celebrated, even when it’s uncomfortable?
7 Amare Steps Toward a Truth-Centered Organization
1. Discern the truth. The truth often has a very distinct feeling. For me, it’s clear, calm, and instant—whether I like it or not. Start tuning into what the truth feels like for you. This awareness helps when things aren’t 100% clear or backed up by hard data.
2. Lead by truth. As a leader, you set the tone. Commit to always telling the truth, especially when it’s tough. Be honest about your own mistakes and growth areas. Truth-telling with compassion builds an environment where people feel safe and valued, especially when things get difficult.
3. Be kind when speaking hard truths. Truth isn’t always easy to hear. Acknowledge the potential discomfort of difficult conversations and show empathy. Leaders who approach hard truths with humility and kindness earn trust and respect.
4. Equip your team with tools for truth. Give your team the resources to build truth-centered cultures. Whether it’s training on how to handle tough conversations or creating systems for open communication, support your people in being able to speak and hear the truth effectively.
5. Make honesty a core value. Incorporate truth as a non-negotiable in your organizational culture. This means being transparent about goals, failures, and financials. When everyone understands that truth-telling is expected—and rewarded—it creates a foundation of trust that permeates the entire organization.
6. Create the right environment. Create spaces—whether through regular feedback sessions or team check-ins—where people can speak freely about concerns, ideas, and observations, and really be heard.
7. Be vulnerable as a leader. Vulnerability in leadership isn’t weakness; it’s strength. Share your struggles and lessons with your team. When you are transparent about your own challenges, you empower others to do the same, creating a culture of mutual trust and truth.
The Amare Way of Truth-Centered Leadership
In a world where the truth is often masked behind filters, algorithms, and noise, leading with truth and authenticity is more important than ever. This is central to a commitment to lead with love.
By fostering a culture that values honesty, you build not only trust but also the clarity needed to navigate today’s complexities with confidence. The truth might be uncomfortable at times, but a love-centered organization thrives because of its integrity—a value that’s indispensable in leadership today.
Inspire Your Team to Put the Power of Love to Work
I do powerful keynotes and retreats centered on creating love-powered organizations, and helping teams take that first step together. For more info, contact me here.
Today’s Amare Wave Wednesday Quote
“In a time of deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.”
— George Orwell
Click here and read more Amare Wave Wednesday newsletters on related topics:
High Performing Leaders: One Surprising Truth and What You Can Do About It
6 Powerful Steps to Improve by Being A Truth-Centered Organization
The Truth about Love-Powered Leadership in the Often Brutal World of Business
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