Feedback Form

The Emperor Has No Clothes

The Emperor Has No Clothes

You remember the old story- only one person in the kingdom had the courage to tell the top dog that he was not dressed well and cool but undressed and making a fool of himself.
Well, today we have some examples of leaders who do things that make us wonder why no one has the courage to tell them how ridiculous their decision is or what a negative effect it could have.
When these decisions hurt your most important asset, your people, it is the HR executive who needs to step up and point out the error of his (the emperor’s) ways. I am not talking about a simplistic evaluation of people being hurt because sometimes the right decision overall can have a detrimental effect on certain individuals. Logical reductions in force or needed budgetary cuts can fall into this category. Instead, the hurtful activities referred to here are decisions that do not take into account the negative effect on morale, culture or brand and therefore become the wrong decision when looking at the big picture.
Many times it is a short term orientation that leads to these ineffective decisions. Trying to hit short term numbers, satisfying the whim of an executive, impatience with short term performance, customers who are overly demanding…yes even customers can be problematic if we let a few determine our actions rather than listening to the majority.
So the next time, in your professional opinion, there is a need for candor even if it is uncomfortable for you and the person making the mistake, I hope you will have the courage to do the right thing and speak up.
I can tell you from first hand experience- the emperor will usually appreciate it and you will sleep better at night knowing there are fewer “flashers” running around out there.





The Emperor Has No Clothes - To learn more about this author, visit Al Lucia's Website.

Like this article? Share it with your friends

Related Forum Posts Article Feedback
Article Feedback No article feedback found.
Leave Your Feedback

Related Articles Related Articles
EEK! Are You Making These 4 Naked Emperor Mistakes?
  Are you still trying to sell like the Good Old Boys Club? Well if you are - I want you to remember the childhood story "The Emperor's New Clothes" I'll refresh your memory.
When Does Training Become Learning?
  Have you ever been in a situation that was so difficult you could not wait for it to be over? Learning happens when you experience every moment to the fullest, without dwelling in the past or anticipating the futur...
The Emperor Has No Clothes
  We need more courage to inform those in charge when things are not right. Here's a way to look at it from a childhood fairy tale.
Stopping the Runaway Train in Triplicate
  Communication is the key to survival and change. And the key to that communication is trust. We need to know that our ideas will be listened to and be taken seriously. And we need to know that our comments, when giv...
Unplug Your Creative Thinking!
  We’re all skilled at creative thinking. It is, after all, the predominant way we think as children. The reason we lose the skill as we grow up is because of the blocks we put in the way. And, that, as this article w...

Related Forum Posts Related Forum Posts
Re: Increasing sales for online retailers Re: Increasing sales for online retailers
Do  you learn more from mistakes? Do you learn more from mistakes?
Ladies Who Launch New Release Ladies Who Launch New Release

Related Forum Posts Related Businesses - Evan Elite Authors

To learn more about the Evan Elite Author Program please contact us.

About The Author


Al Lucia
(Visit Al's Website)
I am a consultant, speaker and author with nine books and clients that include OfficeMax, Caterpillar, Home Depot, Wal-Mart,Con-Way and many others. I am considered a lifeline to HR Executoives.
About The Author

View Author Blog
View Author Blog

View Author Video
View Author Video

Free Downloads


Al Lucia's

Complete
List Of
Human-Resources
Articles

First Name
Last Name
Email
10 + 5 =
 
If you enjoyed this article, get Al Lucia's Complete List of Human-Resources Articles For FREE!

More Al Lucia
From Diversity to Differences
The Emperor Has No Clothes
HR and Courage
Cinderella and Passive Behavior
Become An Author


 
 
 



Have A Suggestion?
Toronto Salsa Classes / Toronto Salsa Lessons Email us your ideas on how to make our website more valuable! Thank you Sharon from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for your suggestions to make the newsletter look like the website and profile younger entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez and Sean Combs!
Have A Suggestion?

Featured Ebook


ebook Famous Entrepreneurs - Modern Empire Builders


Featured Ebook

More Evan Carmichael
Have A Suggestion?


Sales Lessons From Starbucks And Dell