The Explosion

The situation was difficult. The tension in the room was high; opinions and passions were being thrown around like a beach ball in a stadium of rowdy fans. He couldn't stay quiet any longer. It was all he could take. With his boiling point reached, he began to spew an emotional outrage that left others in the meeting with one certain thought: Their peer has just lost his credibility. As time went on, his inability to control his emotions cost him much more than credibility with his peers. It significantly hindered his path of promotion, and it muted his influence across the organization. I was talking with a seasoned and highly respected executive who made this observation. He said, "A big part of leadership and influence is knowing when to speak, and then how much to say, but just as importantly, knowing when not to speak and how much not to say." This critical skill takes wisdom and discipline. It is much easier to pontificate our opinions or jump on the bad wagon of criticism and impulsive response. Strong leaders recognize the value of controlling their emotions while also walking the tight rope of leading with their voices and their ears. When we realize that leading is a responsibility that centers on others, we are propelled to act with wisdom and discernment. Choose to learn the discipline of self control, and you will make a difference!

Dr. Larry Little, CEO