Same thing, different view

Okay, I admit it. I am a huge Woody Allen fan; enjoy his movies tremendously. Whew, I said it, it's out in public!

Traveling across the Atlantic, I watched the movie, Annie Hall. You youngsters, you probably have not seen it but it is a good movie, so watch it. Anyway, there is a scene about a couple who are having marital problems, they decide for each to seek counseling. The movie has a split screen, man talking to a counselor on the right side, and the woman talking to another counselor on the left side of the screen. Each counselor asks their "patient" . . . "how many times a week do you all make love?"

Man: "Almost Never, about three times a week"

Woman: "All the time, about three times a week"

Great scene . . . same "action" but opposite views.

So, why am I talking about this . . .

Well, the same thing happens in our work relationships, especially between leaders and employees. Certain actions take place (e.g., expense cuts - why does someone cannot take a business trip to the next city, but someone else can fly across the globe, certain promotions - why did X get promoted, they are not deserving, reduction in force - why that person and not that one, etc.). It is important for leaders to understand how their actions will be viewed, not necessarily change any decisions. However, a clear communication is important, otherwise people will not see your perspective.

. . . and for me, "almost never" . . .