If you’re looking for a review of or insight into Pink Floyd’s album, “Darkside of the Moon,” or the Transformers franchise movie “Dark of the Moon,” this isn’t it.
Perhaps you remember from your elementary science class that tidal forces from Earth have slowed the Moon’s rotation to the point where the same side is always facing the earth. As a result, we don’t get to see the other side. Now, “dark” in this case means “unknown” instead of “lacking in sunlight.” It can be seen; it’s just that none of us have unless we have been fortunate enough to be on a NASA mission and had that perspective.
Leadership is often very similar to seeing the dark side of the moon. We, as leaders, are often in a position to see things that others in the business or community cannot. We have to. Like the moon, most can only see the light side. Even that has limits if you think about the “New Moon” period in the lunar cycle. We have to be able to see threats and opportunities that others do not.
Unfortunately, this can cause some problems when we fail to share the things we see on the dark side, the side or perspective that others do not have. When we keep these things to ourselves, everyone else is left to their perceptions and they judge accordingly. The thing is, their perceptions are based on incomplete knowledge. They make assumptions. As we all know, assumptions, right or wrong, indicate a lack of communication.
As leaders, part of our messaging has to involve what we see that others, from their perspective, cannot. Here are some ways to do that:
- One-on-one meetings: Leaders can meet with individuals or small groups to discuss specific issues or concerns and provide feedback.
- Town hall meetings: Leaders can hold meetings open to all members of the organization or community to discuss important topics and answer questions.
- Email and newsletters: Leaders can use email and newsletters to share updates and information with a large group of people.
- Social media: Leaders can use social media platforms to connect with their followers and share information more informally and interactively.
- Surveys and feedback forms: Leaders can use surveys and feedback forms to gather input from their constituents.
- Virtual Communication: With the advent of technology and work-from-home culture, virtual communication has become more important than ever, Leaders can use online tools such as video conferencing, chat, or virtual meetings to communicate with their followers.
What about when we can’t share what we see on the dark side? We’ll be discussing that in the coming days.
In the meantime, think about what others cannot and how you can communicate through your various platforms. After all, perceptions, right or wrong, become reality. Make sure those you lead understand the reality in which they live and work.