“I Collected Money Not A Bribe:” Strategic Ambiguity and the Search for Meaning in Communication (3).

Vol 1, No 12, November 27, 2023.

I want to start today's discussion with arguably one of the most unpretentious speeches made by any leader, dead or alive.

"I hope that any of my friends and colleagues, or former colleagues, who are affected by the political reconstruction, will make allowance, all allowance, for any lack of ceremony with which it has been necessary to act. I would say to the House, as I said to those who have joined this government: 'I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat (Emphasis mine)."

These were the shocking words of Sir Winston Churchill in his first speech to the House of Commons as Britain's new leader on May 13, 1940, as he faced calls to make peace with Adolf Hitler during World War II.

Not only did Churchill make it clear that war was Britain’s only option, but he was unequivocal, unpretentious, and unambiguous as he audaciously told the House of Commons, "I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat." How brutally truthful could a new leader be under enormous circumstances?

Recall that France just capitulated to the Nazis before Churchill addressed the British House of Commons.

His speech is the opposite of Strategic Ambiguity in communication. He spoke sincerely, disregarding political correctness and the compulsion to project what the people want to hear.

Put poignantly, Strategic Ambiguity erodes the credibility and impact of leaders across the board.

How often do you see corporate and political leaders confuse their followers and diminish their reputational capital with unnecessary Ambiguity because they don't want to be held accountable? Leaders with impact and authenticity are not afraid to call a spade a spade. A spade is not a snake; neither does it resemble one. Even though, in the short term, Sir Winston Churchill's speech ruffled feathers and drew enormous criticism, it was in the best interest of his fellow citizens and the country.

War does not have a woman’s face (apologies to feminists). It is brutal, ugly, and dirty.

Unfortunately, you see many non-leaders wear Ambiguity as a badge of honor and hide under protocols and niceties. True leaders must say it as it is because, apart from merely communicating the obvious, their words have tremendous weight and impact.

One of the most critical is that the leader sets the agenda for the country, community, or corporation through his words. Not just his expressions but also his body language and posture.

Crisis Communication managers worldwide, for instance, have a heck of a job convincing their CEOs that the easiest and most believable way to manage a crisis in the organization or the country is, to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Besides, when the truth is conveyed in a timely and coordinated fashion, it’s less expensive and often speaks to the heart.

Vulnerability is a critical component of authenticity and leadership.

“I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Monica Lewinsky. I never told anybody to lie, not a single time, never.”

For Baby Boomers, Gen-X, and Millennials who are conversant with the details of the sexual scandal that nearly ruined Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States of America (1993 to 2001), the strategy of vulnerability deployed by his reputation strategists assisted in dousing tension and keeping him in power to finish his second term.

They projected Clinton as flesh and blood like the rest of us, which is what being vulnerable means. Being the most powerful man in the world in 1998 didn’t make Bill Clinton superhuman.

A Times Magazine Special Report of Feb 9, 1998, Vol 151, No 5, says,

“Exactly a week after the sex scandal broke, Clinton achieved the highest approval ratings of his five-year presidency.” “Workplace vulnerability doesn't mean being weak or acting like a pushover. Being vulnerable at work shows employees you are candid, compassionate, and authentic,” says Indeed for employers online. Vulnerability is indeed a strength. 

As a vulnerable leader, you can connect with employees on a personal level and share honest insights about business-related uncertainties. You may find that this leadership style works better for your company than aggressive leadership or micromanaging employees.

What You Do Speaks So Loudly that I Cannot Hear What You Say - Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Hiding under the cloak of Ambiguity due to political correctness or plausible deniability is a sign of weakness because impactful leaders achieve maximum impact in the organization or country when they lead by example. Parents who say one thing and do another only fool themselves because their children will only do what daddy and mummy are doing.

Two company retreats annually or superlatives, buzzwords-led presentations that aren’t complemented with authentic and genuine leadership don’t take leaders anywhere. As a leader, if you want your employees to be punctual, be at work at 7.30 am consistently. No one needs to remind you that speeches can’t cut this. Be the leader you want to see in others. The simple, innocuous act of being at work at 7.30 am when the resumption time is 8.00 am sets the agenda quietly, assertively, and powerfully, believe me.

Just do it; lead by example, and don’t only talk about it.

Conclusion.

I want to close with the following quote attributed to Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi:

"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."

Strategic Ambiguity may be helpful for diplomats and political propagandists when their intent is to miscommunicate or evade pertinent questions, they feel may get them in trouble. It has few benefits for an enlightened or transformational corporate or political leader.  Also in crisis communication when you don't have all the facts, and there are many moving parts but you must put out information to keep stakeholders in the loop, Strategic Ambiguity may become handy. The reason for this is to leave room for possible plausible deniability, in the event the situation in the organization or country becomes chaotic.

On the fourth night, we shall discuss, Christmas From the Eyes of a Child, and What We Can Learn from Children. A Communications Outlook.

Are you considering writing a book but need assistance organizing your thoughts or help figuring out how to start?

You’re not alone.

The New York Times reported that 81% of Americans want to write a book. That means more than 250 million people in America want to write a book, yet less than 1% of those do.

My signature style, the “Creative Nonfiction” story-led approach, ensures that your nonfiction book reads like fiction – reads like a novel.

I have assisted several clients by working remotely in structuring, conceptualizing, and writing their books, including those thousands of kilometers away.

Kindly send me a short email at val.oji@purplecanvasng.com for a private consultation. PS. Please let me know your thoughts on this article and how it has impacted you.