When looking for truth, pay less attention to a person’s words than their actions (over time). It’s too easy to get caught up in words.  Yet we all know we say things for many different reasons.  And not all of those reasons have the purest of intent.

When I watch a person’s actions in my search for truth, I am more apt to find the truth. When their words contradict their actions, their actions over time tell me truth.

A leader understands that listening to their followers’ words is not as significant as watching their followers’ actions.

However, the reverse is also true. Be aware that the followers will be watching the leader’s actions more than listening to their words. This places a high responsibility on the role of the leader to be a model in what he or she wants their followers to both do and be.

Categories: Communications, Conflict Management, Listening, Sociability