We rely on small amounts of information to keep our lives running today. Think about it:

• Most people read the headlines and/or the condensed version of most news stories
• Micro blogging is huge
  • Blogs were already short
• Short emails
  • Often with only the subject line with an “eom” tag
• Voicemail to avoid extended conversations
• Our information can be tailored to what we want to see
  • No longer read the whole newspaper
  • No longer watch the “evening news”
  • Only watch ESPN or Business News channels
  • Subscribe only to the feeds you want to see

These are just a few samples.  This is all well and good in the name of efficiency, however does it bleed over to our leadership style? Could it be that we use what I call soundbite leadership too often?  Here are some indicators of potential soundbite leadership:

• Directional leadership given without context
  • Do the people you are leading know the “bigger picture”?
  • Have you given clear goals for the direction you are headed?
  • Do people know “the why” of what they are doing?
• Hit and run accessibility
  • Are you too busy to have a extended conversation with those closest to you?
  • Do people always apologize for “interrupting” you?
  • Is your door closed most of the time?
  • Has your leadership style become to “walk the halls” as your main form of contact?
• Snap decisions are made on a frequent basis
  • Do you take the time to “think through” all the options?
  • Do you take the time to “think through” all the consequences?
  • Do you attempt to match the person with the task?

We often need to stop and look at the actions we are taking in regards to leadership. There most definitely are times when you will operate with soundbite leadership, but it cannot be your only style. You can’t lead through Twitter alone.