Don't Do It...

Happy Friday,

You go to grab a bottle of Coke, but weirdly, the logo is different. Is the Coke inside still the same?  Unsure, you grab a Pepsi instead.

We’re in a period of social division not of our choosing. It's being promulgated by self-serving political parties, special interests, dying and desperate media, and individualized social media algorithms that sell clicks. We are the product. The science, infrastructure, and motivation to shape what we think and do are FAR more sophisticated and influential than most people's willingness to seek multiple sources and do their own thinking. We're headline readers who outsource our views and beliefs to the information source(s) we regularly consume, and we allow them, by emphasis and by omission, to determine them for us. Reinforced by an echo chamber, everyone is 100% certain they're right. 😄

It's relevant because pendulums swing. Your organization and career are long-term plays that rely on steady, compounding progress over many years. But when you align yourself or your organization with the crisis du jour, you erode trust, confuse and dilute what you stand for, and risk alienating the people influenced by other sources and algorithms. Other than signaling your virtue there's little or no upside.

When the ground is unstable, people value stability and consistency even more. And by people, I mean your current and potential employees, current clients and potential clients, your employer, your boss, and the public— everyone who matters.

So if you’re a leader in an organization, don’t get tempted or pressured to take a position. It'll silently harm you long after the pendulum has swung. Instead, stick to your core competencies and confidently re-assert the principles your organization is founded on. That'll build trust, credibility, and long-term stability, and it'll earn the appreciation and respect of the less vocal majority. Here’s how to think about it:

·      Every divergence from your core mission dilutes your resources and effectiveness.

·      Adhering to your core principles reinforces trust with clients, employees, and stakeholders.

·      Short-term gains often come at the expense of sustained excellence.

·      A clear stance prevents misunderstandings and sets firm expectations.

·      Saying "no" to distractions allows you to fully commit to your true objectives.

By remaining apolitical, you:

·       Maintain your ability to serve all clients and communities

·       Foster a unified workplace culture

·       Protect your organization from political volatility

·       Preserve your credibility as an objective, professional entity

There's nothing wrong with being principled and passionate about 'your' beliefs. Just know that there's considerable downside risk to your career and organization when you bring it into the workplace. Better to remain pure and true to the long-term play.

The Coke logo always remains the same so customers know they can trust what's inside.

Have a great weekend,

Dave

Your feedback and blowback are welcome: dave@goodnewsfriday.com

All past topics are still available at @goodnewsfriday.com

Written by me, not ChatGPT, with speed assist by Grammarly.