Page 15 - Leadership Basics 4

Ambiguous Direction

Ambiguous direction creates a chance that subordinates will do what the operator wants when the
operator cannot ethically direct the subordinate to do so. If ever a problem arises, the operator can
assert that he or she had something else in mind, and that the subordinate initiated the ethical
breach. When combined with subjective cues, such as facial expressions and knowing glances,
especially when delivered in private, ambiguous directions are especially effective.
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Speaking Powerfully

Sam Harris, author of “Reclaiming our Democracy” (1994) says you are not dangerous until you can
speak to an issue. Tactical operators have discovered that in order to influence people, they must be
prepared to speak powerfully at a moment’s notice. The ‘powerful’ leader seems to have an arsenal
of powerful talks ready for each opportunity to influence a decision maker. They always seem
prepared, knowledgeable, and always absolutely confident. This may sound trite and even
off‐putting (who wants a ‘know‐it‐all’ leader), but as a tactic, speaking powerfully is key to
influencing others. Often other teachers – being nurturing caring types – will be too ‘kind’ or good
mannered to speak out against someone who is able to speak powerfully. Sometimes not.

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