Over the years and being in so many firms, I’m struck by
how each office has its own code of meaning. Everyone knows the real meaning,
but there is a penchant to hide behind a code so the real meaning can exist
without having to face it.

Here are some universal codes that appear in just about
every firm.

When you are asked about not delivering corrective
feedback to a direct report:

Answer: I didn’t want to hurt their feelings

Code: I’m afraid to have the difficult conversation

When you are asked where the information is:

Answer: I contacted them a couple of weeks ago and they
didn’t get back to me

Code: I don’t want to take the initiative

When a leader is asked where the firm is going:

Answer: You don’t need to know that. Just do your job

Code: I don’t have a clue

When asked why something hasn’t been completed:

Answer: I’ve been so busy I haven’t gotten to it yet

Code: I do what I want and that’s not what I want to do

When asked why you were so gruff with someone:

Answer: They needed to hear the truth

Code: I don’t want to accept responsibility for myself

When asked why you don’t exert your leadership on an
important matter:

Answer: I respect the views of my colleagues

Code: I’m afraid my weak leadership will show

Please don’t use these codes to evaluate others. Use them
to uncover your own fears and motives. Why? Because focusing on the frailties
of others is code for distracting attention from your own shortcomings. You’ve
got enough to worry about and work on.

Your assignment this week is to determine which codes you
use and hold yourself accountable to face the truth and do something about it.
That’s code for taking responsibility for yourself.