We are now at that wonderful time that happens every four years in America. In the year leading up to a Presidential election, you just can't turn off the political commentary. It's everywhere. Already, in this election cycle, politics has dominated discussions across all different forms of media and seeping into all sectors of society. And the campaign for the general election hasn't even started—it's only the primaries!
What troubles me as I listen in to the conversations that are taking place is that it's all about what people are saying. There are far too many words and not nearly enough action. Across the political spectrum, it seems that we have no shortage of pundits; but we have few we are truly qualified to lead. We need more leaders and less pundits.
Of course, I know that it has always been the politician's prerogative to make rash promises and sweeping, exaggerated claims in order to get into office. But, in my mind, this is not the posture that true leadership demands. Leadership has more to do with what you have done than it does with what you say you can do.
Even though you may be able to convince people you can, you cannot predict the future. You may not actually be able to keep all those promises you make. But what you can do is take the action you would like to promise, and then talk about what you've done after it has been accomplished. Demonstrate a solid track record; that's what shows you are a true leader. What about you? What do you find more credible in a leader—promises in the future or proof from the past?
David Lykken, a 43-year veteran of the mortgage industry, is president of Transformational Mortgage Solutions (TMS), a management consulting firm that provides transformative business strategies to owners and “C-Level” executives via consulting, executive coaching and various communications strategies. He is a frequent guest on FOX Business News and hosts his own weekly podcast called “Lykken On Lending” heard Monday’s at 1:00 p.m. ET at LykkenOnLending.com. David’s phone number is (512) 759-0999 and his e-mail is [email protected].
