Everybody, Somebody and Many

Okay! Here is information for the beginning leader.

If someone (or some two) show up in your office, stop you in the break room, hold you in the hallway or interrupt your “rest” in the restroom saying, “Everybody is really upset about what you did in regard to…”, throw your water in their face and say, “Well everybody thinks that you are the master of hyperbole.”

When you encounter the person who says, “I just want you to know that somebody, I can’t tell you who, has a real problem with what you said in this meeting or that situation and they are talking to others,” consider yourself advised of nothing. Look at the messenger and say, “Who said this to you?” When they say, “Well…I can’t tell you.” Then look at them and say, “Since you cannot give me any Facts to address in this matter, there are five possibilities here: first, you have forgotten that I am the leader, we are a team and you are currently dividing the team not doing something to bring it together; two, you are a gossip who is repeating something you shouldn’t because you know that the person would be mad if you did; three, you are unwise because you did not tell this person that they should come to me immediately because division is dangerous for all of us and especially them; four; you are telling a lie to seem big, manipulate or whatever; or, five, the somebody is you and you have no guts!” Then continue, “And in all of those cases, you have now become one who is working against the team, against me and is not helping the cause. So now, how would you suggest that you help rectify this situation?”

If someone comes to you and says, “Many people are upset with …”, ask them “How many?” Do not accept answers such as a few, two or three, maybe ten. Ask them, “Who are they and what exactly did they say the problem was?” You will find that many is usually defined as “well…uh…two people…maybe…one…uh…I can’t tell you.” People who use the “many” clause are just so often what my daughter's peers call BFL's – that is, Big Fat Liars.

Do not miss the advice given here. It is time tested, proven and any wise, surviving, older leader will confirm all of this to be true. Everybody does not think about you – if they did you would be more important than God who Everybody does not think about. Everybody can’t agree on which football team is the best – it is likely that Everybody will not agree with every play you call but it is also likely that Everybody will also not agree with your game. Somebody is second party and "many" is a cover. Insist on facts.

Now don’t become stupid – leaders need to pay attention to the tides. You do not want to find yourself correct but stranded alone on a rock outcropping when the seas get high. Remember, it is our job to lead people to the “correct” place so we need to be firm but fair and help those who cry “Everybody, Somebody, or Many” to speak with facts. Facts are facts after all. There are many who claim to know but only fact knows with certainty. Insist on facts not hyperbole, hearsay or overestimation. Facts set us free – as our Savior said, “The truth shall set you free.”