- Image via Wikipedia
Michelle Obama rarely makes a false move, but the response to her recent vacation in Spain proved that critics are willing to treat her like other political figures who “step in it” when they veer off the beaten path. It can get smelly and even toxic if left to linger for too long. Some of the criticism has been harsh and Michelle has even been compared to Marie Antoinette who, when told of high unemployment and rising healthcare costs, suggested the little people eat cake.
Or something like that.
Growing up on a cattle ranch in Wyoming, I know first hand how unpleasant “stepping in it” can be. Our corrals were full of “it” and it’s stickiest when fresh. It doesn’t help that as Americans are settling for staycations, in an economy that also smells bad, the first lady is seen recently visiting private Spanish beaches and kicking up her Manolo Blahniks. As New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd observed, if she wanted a beach trip, she could have gone to New Orleans and helped clean up a pelican.
During my FBI firearms training, I learned the importance of minimizing the impact of a bad situation as soon as possible. Wait too long, and the damage can be irrevocable. These tips can work for FBI agents, Michelle Obama, and you.
1. What Looks Like a Problem, is Often a Result of the Situation
The economy is in bad shape. Vacationing in Spain under normal circumstances would not be a big deal. Even a family vacation wouldn’t be resented. But Michelle, this looks like another fun little European jaunt for the girls and those haven’t been in style since the boom years of Alan Greenspan’s economy. Perception is reality. Michelle Obama is the first lady and whether she asked for it or not, everything she says and does send a message to Americans. Eleanor Roosevelt understood this—difficult situations dictate different responses.
TIP: Ask yourself whether the situation would be a problem if the circumstances were different. If not, look to the situation for tips on how to handle the problem.
2. What Looks Like a Problem, is Often the Result of Poor Communication
- Image via Wikipedia
Oh Mama Obama, what were you thinking? We won’t know unless you tell us! Often we say and do things that give the wrong impression or inaccurately express what we’re thinking. Communication can be difficult; clarity in communication can be even more difficult. If we’re unable, or unwilling, to tell others what we’re thinking, the only clue they have of what’s on our mind is our actions. Often, we get into trouble because we assume that our behaviors don’t need to be explained—wrong!
TIP: Invite an individual (not involved in the situation) to listen as you explain your position on a potential problem. Can you explain your point of view with clarity and precision? Ask this individual to repeat back to you what they think you said. FBI agents pre-brief, brief, and then debrief before, during, and after every major operation to prevent miscommunication.
3. What Looks Like a Problem, is Often a Lack of Self-Control
Good leaders understand that sometimes, it’s not all about them. Just because we want something, doesn’t mean we deserve it, and it doesn’t mean we deserve it right now. Power corrupts because a sense of entitlement accompanies it. People become good leaders not because they are great thinkers; they become good leaders because they rally the troops and make people feel they’re part of a team—a good one. No one is left behind with staycations and unemployment checks. Good leaders lead by example and this is a powerfully persuasive tool.
TIP: Don’t create a problem if one doesn’t exist by not thinking through the implication of your actions. How will your decision affect others? Is your decision creating a problem that could be avoided by tweaking either your language or modifying behavior? When FBI agents arrest an individual, there will be problems for that person and their family, but anticipating those problems can prevent the situation from becoming mushrooming into something much worse.
“You have to accept whatever comes, and the only important thing is that you meet it with courage and with the best you have to give.”
Eleanor Roosevelt
Take Away
Minimize the negative impact of decisions by anticipating the problems before they arrive.
How has your quick reaction to a difficult situation minimized the negative impact?
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Tags: Alan Greenspan, communication, Eleanor Roosevelt, Marie Antoinette, Maureen Dowd, Michelle Obama, New Orleans, New York Times, persuasive, Spain
