I’m a big big fan of Michael Hyatt. Michael writes on the subject of blogging, and leadership. He also is the creator of the theme that I use on my website.
Recently on his facebook page, he stated the following about President Obama:
This is a bold move! Michael has a huge following that is very diverse. Over 400,000 people are subscribed to his Blog site. Tackling the current moves of any President will automatically create a polarizing effect with your client base.
That’s exactly what happened.
Over 200 people commented very quickly on the topic. I read through the comments, and I can say Many Were Not Nice – On Either Side.
I think Michael begin to realize that the point of his post would not be well received. No matter what his intention, he could see a negative outcome unfolding. So, later today he posted this on his facebook page:
This also produced a variety of responses, some negative, and some positive.
My Perspective on Michael Hyatt’s Decision
Personally, I was disappointed that Michael didn’t write the post. I know Michael well enough to say it would have been: Honest, Insightful, Tact, and on the Topic of Leadership.
Professionally, it was the right move. Michael would no doubt suffer the back lash of some negative feedback in the short term.
Principally, it was also the right move. Michael has made it abundantly clear in his writings that leaders have certain responsibilities:
- Unite teams of people.
- Create positive motivation.
- Accept responsibility.
- Make the right call.
- Be an example.
Michael was in a position to lose on more of his principles than win by moving forward with his decision to write his post on Barack Obama’s Leadership.
The Mistake That Micheal Made
He told the world he was going to write the post, and then he took it back. He would have been better not to have said anything at all. Followers like their leaders to be firm in their decisions.
This is a mistake we have all made, and I bet it is one that Michael will not make again.
“Will I keep following Michael?”
Absolutely! He has a pure heart, and leads by example. This one slip-up just proves he is human.
Todd, Shannon, and Willa welcome Everett into the Liles Family
I missed this exchange on FB. I have learned that FB is not the best place to debate – especially about politics. In fact, during political season, I have thought about unfriending or muting a couple of family members and friends who lack respect in how they go about stating their views.
Jon, you are correct. I have several of my friends and family that can produce quit the pool of drama. I have decided to let their voice be heard (As long as it is not vulgar.) I think the world is too concerned with Political Correctness at times. The truth is the truth, despite what we feel about it. I was looking forward to Michael’s post. I bet his thoughts will still come through in his other writings.
Thanks, Todd. I am glad I floated it on Facebook before I published it on my blog. I learned a lot. In fact, I am going to devote an episode of BackStage Pass at Platform University to what happened: my intention, what I did wrong, how I could have done it right, and what I learned about my brand.
Thank you for always being open. I look forward to the future backstage pass episode.
For those of you that do not know, Michael has a great resource called Platform University. I’m a member, and find it valuable.
Check it out here: https://platformuniversity.com/members/onhold/
I think both decisions Michael made were correct. Leaders cannot always follow the safe path acceptable to all their followers – they must lead. Part of leadership is also knowing when to re-assess and change course. As well, leaders must challenge themselves to grow. They cannot do so by always avoiding risk.
Great points Kevin
It’s sad when a portion of our sociaty gets so caught up with the political side of issues and will not discuss things that can be learned. Yes, I lean politically one way but I can tell you a lot of mistakes “my party” has made and when you really dig into it you realize we are all human and we all make mistakes. Let’s learn from them and grow as earth citzens. 🙂
Side note: I absolutly love Disqus! I would have never seen this pop up if it wasn’t for the fact I was following Michael!
Jordan, I totally agree. I think I recall a section in Platform when @mhyatt:disqus talks about waiting until after the emotion has worn off before you write on a topic. I hope I’m not misquoting. (Maybe it was on one of his podcasts.) I’m sure the lessons will still come out in the future, and it will still be relative.