Breaking Decorum

The internet and media have been buzzing with outrage about U.S. Representative Joe Wilson's outburst at President Obama's speech last night.

For instance, Rochelle Riley of the Detroit Free Press: "Joe Wilson didn’t insult the president. He insulted America. And every one of us deserves an apology, too."

First of all, count me among those who are surprised that breaking decorum in the halls of congress is such a hot-button issue. But, I'm aware of the ultra-political environment we're in and Mr. Wilson is going to get plenty of flack for what he did.

This got me thinking about the whole idea of "decorum." Decorum is the norm, the standard, the way things are supposed to be. It's one of those things that society determines collectively, based on past traditions and well-regarded practices. Most of the time, decorum is linked with things that are polite or civil.

This is all well and good, and I welcome decorum in my life. Although I must admit that I resist the term, since it makes me think boring, stuffy, and ordinary (imagine the town elders from Footloose). Mr. Wilson's outburst certainly broke decorum, as defined above. My read is that his emotions truly did get the best of him. I find it hard to despise someone like that, especially if they recognize it and apologize for it - which he did.

This post isn't about Joe Wilson. His act just got me thinking more broadly about decorum and leadership.

The leadership question is, when and how often should we break decorum? In other words, when is it appropriate to challenge the status quo, break away from convention, and go with our gut instincts about what's right?

I wonder if our regard for decorum sets us up for groupthink or the avoidance of conflict. We push against those who break decorum with our sighs, nasty looks, rolled eyes, and laughter. We isolate them, talk about them behind their backs, and give them few chances to respect decorum again. Why do we gasp when someone breaks decorum? What are we afraid of?

Many of our most treasured heroes became that way because they found the right time to break decorum. In your practice of leadership, when was the last time you did?

Those organizations that struggle might be bound too much by decorum. It can inhibit creativity. People may be more willing to hide emotions and opinions in such an environment. Maybe we're just too polite with each other.

I'm probably making too much out of this, but I just can't help it sometimes. I appreciate decorum, and it serves us well. I just wonder if more often than we realize, a well-intentioned person who breaks decorum, serves us better.