Are you serious? Another microphone gaffe involving a high-profile figure has been reported? Well, yes. I’m beginning to wonder if some of our leaders are really taking notes on how to earn respect and gain followers.
Last week while preparing for a television interview, former Hewlett Packard CEO Carly Fiorina who is a candidate for state senate seat was recorded seemingly mocking a competitor and disparaging a political ally. A live microphone captured Fiorina’s comments referencing long-time California Barbara Boxer’s hairstyle as “so yesterday.” During her comments she also questioned why Republican gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman would interview with the Sean Hannity’s Fox News show so early in the run for the November general election.
According to video from the Huffington Post website, Fiorina said “I think it’s bizarre, I mean she’s never been on Sean Hannity. I think it’s a very bad choice actually. You know how he is,” Fiorina continued. “Why after saying no to all these people would you go on Sean Hannity?”
Apparently Fiorina’s campaign team dismissed the significance of the comment and reported to CNN via email that “this was nothing but early morning small talk.” It was reported that she later apologized to Sean Hannity. The incident and after-math have been reported in the San Francisco Chronicle , front-page news in the New York Times , New York Post , and USA Today. Listen for yourself.
Unexpected remarks via live microphones are nothing new. While I won’t speculate about motivation or character, the more important questions to consider are these:
- Are off-color remarks made in the public domain acceptable behavior for leaders?
- Do off-handed comments made in a public domain reflect a questionable persona not visibly apparent?
- How do followers trust leaders who make unexpected comments?
A recent Los Angeles Times article speaks to the question of a leader’s integrity. http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/editorials/la-ed-fiorina-20100612,0,5262494.story
As a leadership development expert, I thought it prudent to take this page from history and a few pages from chapters in my book, Leadership Building Blocks: An Insider’s Guide to Success.
1. Learn From History – Rather than observing what happens to other people, learn that respected leaders earn trust. If you want to gain trust, beware of “off-the-record” remarks and an open or “hot” mic. (Chapter 9)
2. Use Caution – In any leadership role, you are always on. Not just when you are in position but also when you are at the grocery store and working in your community. Be mindful about how you develop thoughtful response, comments, and rebuttals in advance. (Chapter 17)
3. Step Up – If you make a mistake or oversight, then own up to it. In this case, the commentary was on tape. No one is perfect, so just admit when you’re wrong. Good leaders are willing to acknowledge the oversight and make amends. Half-hearted apologies only make small in-roads. A public apology to Hannity was half the solution. The same courtesies should be extended to Democratic Party veteran Senator Boxer and Republican gubernatorial candidate Whitman. Just go the full distance. (Chapter 16)
4. Build Bridges – Successful leaders mend fences, they do not build them. Rather than creating wedges between allies and potential future allies, take every opportunity to find common ground. (Chapter 13)
5. Get a Coach – If you don’t know something, then ask. As a lifelong learner and coach, I’m an advocate for leaders getting support, insight, and guidance. All can glean from the lessons of coaches, teachers, and role models. In this case, there are numerous long-time political figures and television pundits who might offer help. (Chapter 14)
This is leadership guru Dawn McCoy with just a few reminders for leaders who are on center stage. This can be a learning opportunity for us all.
