Being Right vs. Being Effective

The assumption that if you're right, you’ll be effective is understandable, especially in roles that require making decisions, solving problems, and offering advice. Unfortunately, it is not always true, and relying on it can be costly.

You can give feedback that is completely accurate and still have it be poorly received.
You can make a technically correct argument and still fail to persuade your audience.
You can identify a problem and leave people feeling criticized rather than motivated to take action.

Communication is not simply about transferring information.
Information lands more effectively when there is a foundation of respect, and respect is built through understanding and attunement.

Before giving advice, feedback, or direction, it can be useful to ask yourself:

Who am I talking to?
What do they care about?
What are they ready to hear?
What's the best way for this message to land?

Being right is about the content.
Being effective is about the outcome.

The most influential leaders care about both.

Have you ever been completely right, and still ineffective?