Leadership: Is It Truly ‘Time for a New Voice’
A high-profile leader in his profession recently released a video detailing the reasoning for his somewhat surprising resignation from a widely-coveted post he has long held.
In his message, John Calipari, now formerly the head coach of the highly-respected University of Kentucky men’s basketball program, asserted that he and his wife, Ellen, had come to the mutual conclusion that it was time for him — for them — to move on from the organization because the people in it needed a new leader, to be refreshed.
“We've come to realize that the program probably needs to hear another voice, that the university as a whole has to have another voice giving guidance about this program...” Calipari stated. “And the fans need to hear another voice.”
He added that it isn’t a case of not respecting or valuing the community and job but that something just isn’t right anymore in his estimation.
“We’ve loved it here but we think it’s time for us to step away,” Calipari stressed. “And step away completely from the program... 15 years, it’s time for another voice.”
How many times did he mention his stated reason — the theme — in that short presentation? Four. Calipari was driving home the point, sincere or not — to observers, whether supporters or critics — that he wanted to make.
It’s an interesting one because people don’t often step down and completely away from prestigious, highly-paid, impression-building authority positions without a lot of thought and uncertainty.
Calipari was likely feeling pressure in his role for his teams, while generally successful, under-performing in the minds of many UK fans, media and the general public. The Wildcats have not been their normal powerful selves in the postseason tournament.
Maybe Calipari was moving forward in his career, leaving for the University of Arkansas, on his own terms instead of risking increasing pressure and a possible embarrassing termination.
Or he and his wife really believed, selflessly, that he was no longer the leader the program, fans and players needed and that after 15 years, his leadership had grown stale in the years, eyes and minds of stakeholders.
It is entirely reasonable that Calipari is exhibiting both an admirable showing of social awareness and self awareness and that it is not accurate that his explanation is a disguised explanation for his departure and that he is not choosing to communicate what he believes is a more palatable resignation.
The choice — and use of video is notable, as it is not the norm. It is however a more personal tool of communication than a written statement, which can leave readers or listeners wondering who wrote it and the tone in which it was written and the degree of sincerity. Facial expressions and mannerisms communicate in video.
It’s an interesting, and arguably, impressive form of conveying important information and a medium for other people to consider if they are capable of communicating responsibly, intelligently and skillfully.
Communication Intelligence magazine
April, 2024
