The Shield

The Shield to Hide Behind

The Shield to Hide Under

(hiding from fall out, of course!)

Which Leader Do You Know?

This leader uses the title as a shield and to wield power. They believe that standing behind (or underneath) the title they hold, makes their people cower in their boots and jump to attention. Sometimes this leader uses their boss's title to attempt to get results or deflect decision-making elsewhere, especially in the case of unpopular choices.

For example, take Ms. Regional Manager. She has just informed the team that they will need to work on Saturdays. She realizes that this change will be unpopular so decided to state that "I, and the VP agrees with me, have decided that everyone needs to work Saturdays." In stating the decision in this fashion, Ms. Regional Manager has deflected some of the decision-making to the VP so that she is not alone being the supposed 'bad guy' in this scenario.

What should you do? If a leader is constantly hiding behind or under a shield be up-front and ask questions specific to the matter and how the leader feels about the situation. Focus on them, re-direct focus to the leader if they try to escape the concern.

Also - in the scenario above....be sure to ask specific questions about which other day you will be entitled to receive as a day off. How this is being scheduled and paid, especially if an unsalaried worker? Get a complete explanation of the reason for this action, when it will start, when it will end or will it be a new and permanent condition of employment.

Can You Hear Me? Are You Listening?

Have you heard this before? From you partner or spouse, or your child, or peer/ direct report or even your boss? Sorry to make an immediate play on words, but it is essential to discuss whether we are ‘hearing’ or ‘listening’. There is a distinct difference between the two, and it all leads to our credibility as a vested partner in a relationship, no matter if it is at work, home or in the community.



Hearing is all about the words – your ears are taking in information. You can hear words, you just may not necessarily digest what they mean in specific context or even comprehend the body language, tone of voice and hand gestures that go along with the words, to completely change the meaning.

If you are listening, you are putting aside all distractions and paying attention, facing the individual and engaging your whole body in the experience – eyes, ears, senses and emotions. Listening features highly in building respect and trust in any relationship, including impacting your own credibility. Listening helps you to learn from others – about what they do, what they know, what they need – and even how you can apply their knowledge to your own circumstance. Listening is really about learning from people – making everyone better at the same time.

Improve your listening skills by:


Put everything down that you are working with or on and face the person speaking to you.


Take note of the key words in conversations and use them to repeat back thoughts and your own understanding.


Guiding Principle: you have 2 ears and 1 mouth – use them in the same proportion.