Cynics can kill a corporate culture. Skeptics can heal it.
What is the definitive difference between a cynic and a skeptic?
“A CYNIC is a faultfinding captious critic; especially one who believes that human conduct is motivated wholly by self-interest.”
A SKEPTIC is “inclined to question or doubt all accepted opinions.” (Merriam Webster)
Cynics are like cancer to culture while the skeptics are like a warning light on a vehicle. If the engine isn’t running optimally, there will be issues down the road.
True Story: A CEO hired me to speak at their “All Hands” meeting.
➡️He saw me speak at YPO.
➡️I visited the company HQ.
➡️They published books.
➡️They’re now out of business.
“Vince, can you help?”
One of the SVPs was clearly a cynic. He was an angry, vindictive person who was a massive distraction during their meeting. Meanwhile, the culture was struggling. Revenue was declining.
The response to my speech? From everyone, except Mr. Cynic…“Bring this guy back.”
To fully prepare my consulting and coaching services, I flew back to HQ to interview all company levels, even Mr. Cynic.
Findings: There were two main offices separated by two buildings. Executives were in one building. The rank and file were in another. Employees didn’t feel appreciated or listened to. Executives couldn’t figure out what “The employees’ problems were?”
Meeting with the CEO, three recommendations topped the list:
1️⃣ Mr. Cynic needed to be fired.
2️⃣ The CEO and executives needed to office amongst the rest of the staff.
3️⃣ “Management by walking around” was urgently needed.
From a Consultant: The skeptic’s approach was necessary.
Result: I didn’t get hired for an extended contract.
Moral of the story?
If you don’t hire me, you’ll go out of business! 😜Nah, too cynical.
Let’s go with: Protect your skeptics. They may be a warning light worth paying attention to.
#consulting #coaching #truthtellers #ReservoirLLC #setbacktobreakthrough
What is the definitive difference between a cynic and a skeptic?
“A CYNIC is a faultfinding captious critic; especially one who believes that human conduct is motivated wholly by self-interest.”
A SKEPTIC is “inclined to question or doubt all accepted opinions.” (Merriam Webster)
Cynics are like cancer to culture while the skeptics are like a warning light on a vehicle. If the engine isn’t running optimally, there will be issues down the road.
True Story: A CEO hired me to speak at their “All Hands” meeting.
➡️He saw me speak at YPO.
➡️I visited the company HQ.
➡️They published books.
➡️They’re now out of business.
“Vince, can you help?”
One of the SVPs was clearly a cynic. He was an angry, vindictive person who was a massive distraction during their meeting. Meanwhile, the culture was struggling. Revenue was declining.
The response to my speech? From everyone, except Mr. Cynic…“Bring this guy back.”
To fully prepare my consulting and coaching services, I flew back to HQ to interview all company levels, even Mr. Cynic.
Findings: There were two main offices separated by two buildings. Executives were in one building. The rank and file were in another. Employees didn’t feel appreciated or listened to. Executives couldn’t figure out what “The employees’ problems were?”
Meeting with the CEO, three recommendations topped the list:
1️⃣ Mr. Cynic needed to be fired.
2️⃣ The CEO and executives needed to office amongst the rest of the staff.
3️⃣ “Management by walking around” was urgently needed.
From a Consultant: The skeptic’s approach was necessary.
Result: I didn’t get hired for an extended contract.
Moral of the story?
If you don’t hire me, you’ll go out of business! 😜Nah, too cynical.
Let’s go with: Protect your skeptics. They may be a warning light worth paying attention to.
#consulting #coaching #truthtellers #ReservoirLLC #setbacktobreakthrough
