Sometimes It Is Best to Stay Quiet and Listen

October 20, 2023

On the Pivot podcast dated October 17, 2023, Scott Galloway and Kara Swisher discussed the Israel and Hamas conflict, specifically addressing the question of whether businesses should take a stand or make a statement. Galloway's perspective is that, unless a corporation is directly involved in the issue or has employees or customers deeply connected to it emotionally, it is often better to remain silent and listen.

He emphasizes that while corporations have an obligation to their employees, communities, and global citizenship, the power of listening is often underestimated. Making a statement should be assessed from a risk-adjusted perspective. Galloway notes that social media often pressures companies to speak out, but he advises against it unless there is a unique insight to offer. He emphasizes that many businesses are not social commentary platforms but rather exist to provide economic security, whether they sell shoes or food.

Galloway also discusses the concept of virtue signaling and suggests that sometimes it's best to refrain from making statements. He cites Jeffrey A. Sonnenfeld from the Yale School of Management, who took action by having companies withdraw from Russia rather than merely posting an Instagram photo of the Ukrainian flag.

A Leadership Lesson in Listening

A leadership lesson Galloway highlights is the importance of listening and asking questions. He believes that in both business and relationships, listening is often more effective than asserting one's opinions. When people seek advice, they often want someone who can ask thoughtful questions and provide support rather than someone who simply tells them what to do.

Galloway and Swisher also reference an interview with Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, where she mentioned the value of being "deaf" in a relationship, which underscores the importance of active listening.

When to Speak Out

Finally, Galloway encourages individuals to ask themselves whether they are truly passionate about an issue and whether they are taking concrete actions such as donating time or money and possessing domain expertise before speaking out and adding to the dialogue.

Create a checklist, Prioritze Long Term and Take Action

October 17, 2023

In prioritizing daily tasks, focusing on strategic actions first. Begin by planning the night before and preparing a checklist of essential tasks. Prioritize tasks that have a long-term impact, such as working out or writing a book, and tackle them first thing in the morning. Avoid starting your day with tactical, short-term tasks, as it's easy to neglect strategic matters when they're postponed.This approach aligns with Stephen Covey's 'Big Rocks' concept, emphasizing the importance of addressing significant, strategic goals first to ensure continual progress on your path.

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