“I say what I mean – and I mean what I say!”

“I say what I mean – and I mean what I say!”   

I say what I mean – and I mean what I say! One of the greatest challenges for a business leader is build a great management team. This team serves as my closest advisers, they are responsible for running the company with goals and strategies, and support and strengthen the values of the company.

There must be a variety of people in a management team. If it becomes too uniform, there can be critical limitations and important questions will not be brought to the table. Therefore, it is important to build a team of people who have distinctive characteristics and variety of experiences. A great management team embraces and executes the company’s values and culture.

The most important thing for me when I am looking for leaders is that they dare to say what they really mean! I want leaders who share their own opinions and fight for their beliefs if needed. This is the only way to develop and grow. No hidden agenda allowed.

For that reason, one of the most beneficial things I have done as an entrepreneur and business leader has been to develop an open culture with room for growth and passionate debates.

It seems some of today's leaders do not have all the qualities it takes to be a great leader. There are cowardly and passive leaders, they do not dare contribute even though they really have a lot to offer. Then you will find the “Brown nosers” who constantly agree with the boss, in the best interest of  their own career and development. And some are self-serving, and dishonest leaders, their primary concern is making sure their own backs are covered, are terrified of criticism and their focus is on making everyone happy.

None of these leaders are good or effective. In fact, this is the opposite of what we need from our leaders, as they fail to provide what is most important: a corporate culture in which people say what they mean and mean what they say!

Without a culture of openness, team members cannot say what they mean, this creates a risk for poor decisions, and miscommunication. In extreme cases, it can result in critical situations, which can cause irreparable damage to the reputation of both the management team and the organization. If you say what you mean and mean what you say, you have made major influence on the company culture. Believe in yourself and believe you can contribute. Just go for it!