As the wimp who upon seeing himself reflected in a gym mirror fancies seeing a muscle man reflected back, I like to fancy that I am a very outspoken person. Reality does not always confirm this fancy. Many times I will wait to see the drift of opinion before stating my point of view–I can be quite the weaselly wimp.
In project management we say that it is important to find a balance between effectiveness and efficiency. Pure effectiveness can be inefficient and pure efficiency can be ineffective.
In speech we must balance effectiveness with forthrightness. Sometimes to be effective we must hold our tongues – at other times forthrightness is essential for effectiveness. As is so often the case, the bottom line measure is framed in the question--"Which approach is most helpful?" It is beside the point to ask whether macho or reticence reflects the best leadership. That approach is best which is most helpful in addressing the issue at hand.
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