The 2% Truth

Clients have been talking about their frustration that people they manage are not being commercial enough; communicating well enough; being strategic enough.

I hear you. I feel your frustration. We have all been there.

And is it possible that you also model the behaviour that most frustrates you?

One client was vulnerable enough to admit that while he had asked his colleague to communicate better, he wasn’t sure he was modelling great communication either.

Another said they wanted to see more vision, but weren’t entirely sure how to show that.

It’s easy to see what we don’t want, and our frustration that others don’t get it. Or they do and don’t change.

Have you heard of the model, the 2% truth?

It’s a helpful way to see that 2% of the other person’s behaviour exists within us.

2%.

It allows us to consider - Where do I exhibit that behaviour? How is it impacting my leadership? How is it impacting others?

Like my client, he wanted something from his colleague but he knew he didn’t always meet the mark. He dared to look at the 2% to see what information or learning it might offer him.

Often it can offer a glimpse of empathy which might have been missing in your interactions; and importantly self-empathy. A reminder that leading and managing others is often far from straightforward.

2% is small enough that we can take action.

• What could you change in your behaviour to improve things?

• How could you communicate differently?

• Are you being too gentle and more critical feedback is needed?

If you are curious, there will be something for you in the 2%.

So, I offer you this.

Yes, set the bar high, be demanding of others when you know they have it in them and the business needs it.

And be mindful of how you might be modelling the behaviour that frustrates you right now. How can you learn from that? Where can you adjust to be better for others.