The Emperor's New Clothes
Does anyone think that this old fairy tale has a lesson for us all or even perhaps a prophetic insight for what is really happening in the world?
It seems that governments all over are being shown for what they really are. They have no clothes on. They are naked. They look good...present themselves as royalty yet, in truth they are are bankrupt.
Have a look at the video to remind yourself of the story and then check out the comments that follow.
It seems that governments all over are being shown for what they really are. They have no clothes on. They are naked. They look good...present themselves as royalty yet, in truth they are are bankrupt.
Have a look at the video to remind yourself of the story and then check out the comments that follow.
Lessons Learned...
The King had developed a culture in his Kingdom that would not allow the truth to come forth. No one in the kingdom wanted to confront the obvious truth that the king had no clothes on. The king's closest advisors, servants and even the general public did not share the obvious. It took a little child to state the obvious..."The King has no clothes on!"
As leaders of our communities, businesses and families...we all must be willing to confront the truth. To call it like it is. It may not be pleasant. But the "truth is always our best friend...and we need to embrace it."
How do you get "the truth" about your family, business or organization?
What systems have you in place to get information up through the ranks to the leaders so that an honest assessment can be made and proper action taken. Toyota is a great company and for years has made excellent cars. However, the Toyota Kingdom has been found not to have clothes on. People up and down the ranks new there was a problem...but they did not say anything.
The solution to the problem is to be like Nehemiah who took his midnight rides around the walls of Jerusalem to survey the situation for what it is and not rely on others perceptions of reality. Once he has that truth in his mind he acted upon it and the result is that the walls of Jerusalem were re-built within 50 days. A feat that is miraculous even by today's standards.
The truth may be ugly, not pretty and unpleasant...but is is always your best friend.
As leaders of our communities, businesses and families...we all must be willing to confront the truth. To call it like it is. It may not be pleasant. But the "truth is always our best friend...and we need to embrace it."
How do you get "the truth" about your family, business or organization?
What systems have you in place to get information up through the ranks to the leaders so that an honest assessment can be made and proper action taken. Toyota is a great company and for years has made excellent cars. However, the Toyota Kingdom has been found not to have clothes on. People up and down the ranks new there was a problem...but they did not say anything.
The solution to the problem is to be like Nehemiah who took his midnight rides around the walls of Jerusalem to survey the situation for what it is and not rely on others perceptions of reality. Once he has that truth in his mind he acted upon it and the result is that the walls of Jerusalem were re-built within 50 days. A feat that is miraculous even by today's standards.
The truth may be ugly, not pretty and unpleasant...but is is always your best friend.
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