What a week this has been with the story that broke about General Stanley McChrystal and his interview with Rolling Stone Magazine. During that interview McChrystal apparently was very comfortable with the reporter who accompanied him for several weeks, let his guard down and said things that should probably not have been said to anyone, much less a reporter. One would question whether McChrystal was that naive or if his pent up frustration just got the best of him. Either way, it was a mistake that ultimately cost him his job.
What I find sad about this story is Mr. McChrystal, a four-star general, is someone who one would imagine to be the ultimate professional and strong leader. All of us as leaders have times of frustration with those we report to, but professionalism teaches us that we can’t always verbalize the thoughts we have. It was explained to me once that submission (to authority) is doing something that we don’t necessarily agree with. If that is the case, then submitting to leadership means doing things to support the organization regardless of agreement with decisions. This would include verbal support of leaders.
This can be difficult since most people in leadership positions lead others and need to rally others to support the organization. When a leader cannot support the vision of the organization, it creates internal tension and ultimately a break in the strategic direction. When this happens it is time for the relationship to end. Supporting an organization’s vision should be the goal for all employees and if they can’t they should seek other employment.
So what leadership lessons did we learn:
- We as humans all have the need to let off steam once in a while and need a confidant to talk to. However, lines are crossed when venting frustrations becomes public. The difference between a professional and someone who is not is their ability to maintain composure, choose their words wisely and not vent frustrations publically or even to other employees.
- We need to remember as leaders, others are watching us, taking cues and determining how they will react to the environment. When leaders act unprofessionally, their subordinates do also.
- Leaders need to support the vision of an organization. This means submitting to the leadership that they are put under. If they have strong feelings about the way an organization is heading, and can’t accept things, they need to step down. Fighting against senior leadership does no one any good and only hurts the organization.
- Leaders should have the ability to maintain their composure under pressure and not reveal private matters publically.
- Leaders should be coached when agreeing to interviews with the media. We need to remember that most reporters are after a story, which is what sells. And as friendly and chummy as they seem, at the end of the day, they will put into print what sells. I’m guessing this Rolling Stone magazine will have record sales!
- Was the media wrong in this situation or was McChrystal just too free with his comments? Maybe it was a little bit of both.
This story should be a wake-up call to all of us in leadership roles. Sometimes we need to reevaluate our ability to support the vision and make the choice to step down if there are differences. I don’t know about you, but if that were the case, I would prefer to leave a little less publically!
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