That's not helpful...

Raise your hand if you remember the State Farm commercial from 2012 with the tag line, "You're not helping, Gramma!"

I can't help but think of that commercial any time a political pundit opens their mouth on a current event. It seems the facts don't really matter anymore, nor do the truth, right vs. wrong, or moral compasses. And for some crazy reason, some of us still listen when they talk.

I recently read an interview between two political pundits from opposite sides of the two-party aisle. When asked hard questions, each had a positive spin on his party's actions. It didn't matter that neither statement was factually true, nor that both statements were mutually exclusive. (In other words, if one was true, then the other by default had to be false. Either he did or he did not break the law. Either she did or she did not tell the truth. Either they did or they did not incite sedition.)

So, Servant Leader, we find ourselves at a crossroads. To be honest, this political crossroads has been around for as long as I can remember. It just hasn't been celebrated as mainstream until recently, as far as I can tell. I'm thinking that has something to do with career politicians vs. career servants, but that's a blog for another day.

Still, what does the state of the political discourse in these United States of America have to do with Servant Leadership and our approach to service in business, you ask? Well, the Bible is clear on one thing. Stop spinning everything because lies for whatever purpose are not helpful to anyone.

But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No,” lest you fall into judgment. (James 5:12, NKJV)

As servant leaders, it is our job to be honest, truthful, and helpful all at the same time. Sure, if someone is doing a wonderful job, it is easy to tout their successes and praise them in public. However, when someone needs help or just doesn't seem to be capable of the required task, don't spin it. Don't become another talking head chattering in the background and not really being helpful. Be compassionately truthful. That doesn't mean to berate them in public or destroy their confidence so they'll never be able to recover. (Honestly, if you call yourself a servant leader, those two situations will never arise.) But it does mean honestly assessing someone's performance, their suitability for a position, or in some cases your own ability to lead someone.

Being compassionately honest with everyone means showing true, heartfelt appreciation when someone else succeeds. It means celebrating another's raise, promotion, award, graduation, or any achievement with purpose. It means honestly being excited when someone on your team succeeds. As the proverb goes, a rising tide truly lifts all boats.

Being compassionately honest also means telling someone (or yourself) when their best attempt just isn't good enough. Business isn't T-ball. Nobody wins when everyone gets a trophy. It's fine to honor the attempt, but at some point the honorable thing to do is to admit the failure. Service means serving up hard lessons as much as setting up the team for success. Failure isn't permanent, but it is a good teacher. Never acknowledging failure means never really learning the lesson.

And that isn't helpful.

(Photo: State Farm Indemnity)