With Ubisoft’s upcoming release of Assassin’s Creed Revelations, it seems fitting to discuss how like Altair and Ezio, a leader can choose to handle situations with a hack and slash approach, or much more subtle like through the use of the hidden blade.  While the frenzied melee approach may accomplish intended results, how many bodies will be left in the wake?  Many times when a leader’s goal is to inspire, motivate or simply deliver a message to the team, precision and delicacy are a must.

For those not familiar, the story’s protagonists utilize a concealed blade that thrusts from the inner forearm.  It is typically used when the palm is pushed up against the victim’s body for a silent and stealthy approach.  This allows for action in close quarters without arousing alarm or attention from the target or the people nearby.

The Leader’s “Hidden Blade”

When a leader needs to address a situation with a team member, deliver a lesson to a mentee or simply motivate their organization; unsheathing the sword and causing a messy scene is not always the best option.  This is especially true when the leader may be presenting criticism, redirecting behavior or providing any other type of communication that may be seen as negative or reprimanding.  The hidden blade approach allows the leader to quietly and cautiously handle situations rather they be one-on-one or in an open speaking session.

One of the top approaches in doing this is by asking questions and drawing the person or people in the group out.  Critique is typically far better given and received when we give it to ourselves and when we arrive at conclusions on our own.  Sometimes a series of carefully asked questions leading us down the path is required.  Sure it would be easier for a leader to run up to a team member and say “hey you are doing that wrong” or “you need to do this” however it is not always the most effective method,  nor does it provide the teachable moment that allows us to grow personally.

Double Hidden Blade

Another weapon in the leader’s arsenal is the use of story to prove a point.  As the old saying goes “facts tell, stories sell” and for the leader telling a good instructive story is a strong tool.  This is especially true when it is a personal account that can serve as a either a cautionary tale or one of motivation and direction.  Great leaders learn how to tell great stories in the same sense that they learn how to be great question askers and greater listeners.  A strong instructive story can deliver the same message but in a more powerful and less confrontational way than directly pointing out someone’s weakness or where they messed something up.

The Hook Blade

While the aforementioned methods can be construed as “tactics” or manipulating people skills, they will eventually cease to be effective if the leader is not truly serving the people that are following.  This means the leader must get to know and truly care about their people.  A series of canned questions and repeated stories will fall on deaf ears if the leaders does not care about their team.  People will sniff a false leader out, and only those leaders with character and a desire to serve their team will be able to implement these weapons effectively.

So the next time we think about running into a situation with our sword drawn, ready for war, remember Altair and Ezio.  Sometimes to get “full synchronization” with your team, you are going to have to use your hidden blade.  Lead on brotherhood of leadership assassins!