In an interview with the Washington Post, former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan talked about how the Republican Party has changed since his time in office. “We were leading on principles and policy outcomes. This Congress is led by politics. It’s a zero-sum game with no positive outcomes or win-win,” he said. “If the animating principle of the party revolves around the personality of a man, this is the outcome you’re gonna get: policy-makers leaving, replaced by entertainers and performers, not problem-solvers.”
Of course, he was speaking about national politics, but the same principle applies to organizations. The organization as a whole takes on the characteristics of its leader, and those working for the person need to be in sync or prepared to struggle due to a misalignment of styles or values.
Even if you’re many layers removed from the person at the top, look closely at them before committing to an organization. Their ethics, temperament, and priorities will filter down to you one way or another and infuse themselves in hiring and budget decisions that will ultimately impact your work environment. Best to know their principles and policies more than just their personality.
Source: Paul Ryan: The Stakes, Washington Post Live series, February 21, 2024.
