#745 shhh

One of the more challenging things for some leaders is the ability to work on things behind the scenes -- and to be comfortable not talking about it.  Oftentimes strategic moves require confidential planning and private meetings.  As much as we'd like to have full transparency, there are times when this just isn't possible.

It is hard to stay quiet when the temptation is to say: "YES!  I am working on something!" even though there is nothing that can publicly be shown.  This happens in cases with a merger or acquisition, the purchase of property, a personnel move or other similar matters.  

After you have been working on something for so long, you become comfortable with it and that's when spilling the beans can accidentally occur.  You know after the first meeting that things are "hush hush", but after meeting 20 that same clandestine sense isn't there -- even though for the sake of the project it should be.  A premature sharing can often jeopardize the whole thing.

Abraham Lincoln faced this when trying to quietly delay negotiations with the Confederacy long enough to garner support for the Emancipation Proclamation.  I've seen leaders face this as they attempted to switch athletic conferences or procure a large gift.  I've been there myself as I worked on an organizational restructuring and the strategic plan.

There are times to share openly and times to be patient.  Whether you're the one who has the information or just the one who is curious, take care to bide your time and your tongue. Sometimes being "in the know" means keeping "in the dark".

-- beth triplett

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