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Great Leaders Disagree & Commit
Great Leaders Disagree & Commit
When I made a move from the East Coast to the Intermountain West, I found myself in what some might call a radically different work environment. Some fans of a more direct approach might call it “honesty vs. dishonesty.” The same principle but viewed from the more “compassionate” side might call it “heartlessness vs. empathy.” But inside of the change in styles, I was witnessing a real cultural challenge around the vulnerability and honesty to share what you feel as a leader rather than shy away from your own thoughts; sharing your instincts and feelings instead of hiding them for fear of offending.
Now I, for one, believe you can be honest about others’ performances or behaviors, your feelings on a matter that a colleague may feel differently on, or any other concept with which an organization is struggling without offending others. You can be direct, honest, and empathetic all at once… and for most of us, with practice, we can do it and have others feel our vulnerability and genuine concern.
Tomasz Tunguz, a venture capitalist at Redpoint, recently wrote about this topic. He skews toward the direct approach clearly but has elements of empathy in his writing as well. It’s worth reading his thoughts. One statement he makes is a quote from a well-known supporter of direct feedback, Jeff Bezos of Amazon:
Have Backbone; Disagree and Commit. “Leaders are obligated to respectfully challenge decisions when they disagree, even when doing so is uncomfortable or exhausting. Leaders have conviction and are tenacious. They do not compromise for the sake of social cohesion. Once a decision is determined, they commit wholly.”
Yes, it does require backbone to be direct. However, it also requires empathy to maximize leadership impact. Directness without empathy relies upon a leadership based on fear. But directness paired with empathy is true leadership.
Dave Chase is a Director at Amplēo. He is currently taking a sabbatical to move with his family to Chicago for a service opportunity. This will take him away from Amplēo for three years. He intends to return to Amplēo at the end of this assignment in July 2025.
Before becoming a Partner at Amplēo in 2011, Dave spent 9 years in various financial strategy roles such as divisional CFO at Honeywell International Inc in their Phoenix and New York offices. In 2007, Dave became the CFO, and ultimately the Consumer Division Executive VP, for Cricut, a large private equity-owned company in consumer products manufacturing, distributing, and retailing. Dave has led or been instrumental in raising multiple rounds of equity and debt in excess of $500 million. After a successful career, Dave has used his broad experience in global finance and strategy to assist Amplēo clients. Dave is active in the entrepreneurial and small business mentoring community in Utah and is a frequent speaker on finance and entrepreneurship.
Fun Facts/Hobbies
- Wakeboarding
- Snowboarding
- Ski-mountaineering
- Hiking
- Passion for humanitarian work
Education/Certificates
- MBA from Brigham Young University
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