This is not a statement about politics and whether I believe that Joe Biden or Donald Trump should be the next President of the United States. I like to listen to leadership in all forms, and part of effective communication is drawing nuggets to share to a bigger audience out of those discussions.
Wednesday as I was driving I happened upon the speech that VP Biden and Senator Kamala Harris gave together from Wilmington, Delaware and I was impressed with the way some messages were delivered as a next step in their bid for the White House.
One message Candidate Biden delivered really struck home with regard to having communication, effective communication, and how that essential form of communication that comes along with senior leadership is essential for success in these challenging times be you, brand, team, league, media company, not for profit, or even governing body of any form.
“That’s what I asked Kamala. I asked Kamala to be the last voice in the room, to always tell me the truth, which she will. Challenge my assumptions if she disagrees. Ask the hard questions. Because that’s the way we make the best decisions for the American people,”
Biden first used the idea of being the last voice in the room in 2015 at the funeral for former Vice President Walter Mondale. He talked about how President Obama looked to have the person…in this case his Vice President…in the room as another key, senior voice who is weighing and listening to all that is going on before a key critical decision is made. It is someone who challenges, brings perspective, and helps reassure key decisions.
I raise this as a key best practice because it ties to something that has become more and more vital in recent months with regard to leadership best practices…having a senior communications official as that trusted voice, with he or she being the listener who has an effective seat at the table throughout the decision process; a person who can bring in various points of view, synthesized facts and yes, ask the hard questions. A vital part of the decision tree…
And often in cases where big decisions are made, he or she is yes, the last voice in the room.
Maybe that “Last Voice” is a combination of people…a trusted long term friend who is outside of the effects of a decision as well as a senior communications official who has helped shape the message and given the head of business all the pros and cons without pulling punches…not a “yes” person who delivers a message that person wants to hear.
The Last Voice” was probably and hopefully there throughout the decision process and has helped paint the clearest picture of a decision, regardless of result. He or she may not always get it right, but he or she has a firm handle on supporters and dissenters, controversy and glory, all of which is key to communications tied to leadership.
It is an invaluable spot for any company, team, business or brand, and one that takes years of effective listening and consensus building to get to.
A trusted position and a key voice.
The most important part of effective culture based around communication, and a good lesson to have heard, regardless of what side of the political aisle you are on.
