Point of View on Leadership: Seven Short Bursts

Point of View on Leadership: Seven Short Bursts

Originally published as a client e-letter on April 1, 2016
By Jeremy C. Garlington | Point of View LLC

Dear Clients and Colleagues,

For this month’s letter, I’m bringing back a familiar format—short bursts of insight, each offering a direct take on leadership in today’s chaotic, over-analyzed landscape. Think of these as the “seven dwarfs” of leadership observation. Small in size, perhaps—but rich in meaning.

1. Stop Obsessing Over Donald Trump

Whether you admire him or despise him, stop trying to decode Trump’s playbook as a universal leadership model. What works for The Donald works only for Donald. Yes, media commentators have to fill columns and airtime, but the idea that replicating Trump’s tactics—his Twitter strategy or magnetic brand—will yield similar results is misguided. Ben Carson had a comparable number of Facebook followers, but didn’t ignite the same fire. If you’re craving exposure, focus on developing a message or idea that actually connects—regardless of whether it’s good, bad, or ugly.

2. Take a Stand: Who Are You Supporting for President—And Why?

Set aside political correctness for a moment. Business leaders can no longer afford to hide behind vague neutrality. Donating to both sides or dodging questions with polite wallpaper answers won’t cut it. Washington Post columnist Kathleen Parker nailed it: “There’s a price to pay for silence.” Authenticity in leadership includes the courage to stand for something. It doesn’t have to be partisan, but it must be principled.

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3. Social Media Isn’t Leadership

Social media reflects popular sentiment—it doesn’t create it. Leaders who chase viral posts or endlessly share articles without adding their own point of view are simply echo chambers. Leadership requires clarity of thought and original input. Post less. Say more. If your content doesn’t advance the conversation, reconsider sharing it at all.

4. Small Talk Still Matters

In a world consumed by devices and distractions, basic conversation has become a lost art. Yet genuine connection still begins with small talk. Weather, sports, local happenings—simple topics can lead to deeper engagement. Avoid politics and religion unless that’s your domain. And for heaven’s sake, look up from your phone. We’re approaching the day where “eye contact” will need a marketing campaign.

5. Encourage Like You Mean It

Even McKinsey—the guardians of grids and frameworks—now list encouragement as a top leadership responsibility. Unlike flashy attributes like charisma or image, encouragement is free, repeatable, and effective. When was the last time someone encouraged you? When was the last time you did? Leadership that lifts others leaves a legacy.

6. Ignore the Platitudes

Somewhere between clickbait and consultant jargon, leadership commentary has become cluttered with empty declarations. Case in point: Korn Ferry recently promoted the idea that “Most Admired Companies say they have leaders of tomorrow.” Translation? Nothing actionable. Most serious observers stopped taking cues from Fortune’s admiration lists years ago. It’s time for the next generation to retire them for good.

7. Get Some Rest

The hustle culture is exhausting—and exhausted. Lately, even the leadership industrial complex has begun to promote white space, mindfulness, and strategic downtime. They’re not wrong. Real creativity and recharge happen when you unplug. Raise a glass with friends. Step back. Take a nap if you must. A rested leader is a better leader. One client recently emailed to say they were taking some much-needed time off. I nearly stood up and applauded.

Let’s not fool ourselves on this April 1st. Leadership isn’t about trends or titles—it’s about intention, presence, and consistent action. Sometimes, the best guidance comes in short bursts.

Warm regards,
Jeremy C. Garlington
Principal, Point of View LLC
4060 Peachtree Rd. Suite D-#117 | Atlanta, GA 30319
404-606-0637 | www.pointofviewllc.com