[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$fwuKb8qiPz6bkMHPuHl9Ie1vFDXgvyRFAcm2BvP5etZM":3,"$f5_y6YqABZd5AqAfIdt5jnWlIpXOugsIE08odaZ2rZlA":12},{"author":4,"tags":11},{"author_id":5,"author_name":6,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"bio":9,"short_bio":9,"bio_jsonld":9,"slug":10,"image_url":9},140184,"Gordon Giffin","G",2,null,"gordon-giffin",[],{"quotes":13,"pagination":39},[14,28],{"id":15,"quote_text":16,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":19,"source":20,"quote_tag":21,"commentary":27},1516824,"The tone at the top does matter. Friendship is important. It makes a huge difference.",4,false,{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[22],{"id":23,"tag":24},4511710,{"id":25,"tag_name":26},89,"friendship","**The Backstory**\n\nGordon Giffin, a former US Ambassador to Canada and a long-time diplomat, is known for his nuanced understanding of international relationships and the importance of building trust with counterparts. While it's difficult to pinpoint an exact quote or speech from which this phrase originates, it reflects his emphasis on personal connections in professional settings. As someone who has navigated complex diplomatic landscapes, Giffin likely developed a keen appreciation for the role that interpersonal dynamics play in achieving mutually beneficial agreements.\n\n**The Hidden Insight**\n\nAt first glance, this quote seems straightforward: establishing friendly relationships with colleagues and partners is helpful in getting things done. However, there's an underlying nuance that deserves attention. The phrase \"the tone at the top\" suggests that Giffin is not just advocating for casual friendships but also highlighting the importance of a leader's emotional intelligence and authenticity. This means that even if you're not in a position to dictate policy or direction, your demeanor and attitude can significantly influence the atmosphere within your organization.\n\n**How to Use This**\n\nTo apply this mindset today, consider how your own \"tone at the top\" contributes to the organizational culture. Make a conscious effort to cultivate genuine relationships with colleagues, but also recognize that your emotional presence has a ripple effect on those around you. By being authentic and empathetic, even in small ways, you can create a more positive and collaborative environment that fosters innovation and progress.",{"id":29,"quote_text":30,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":31,"source":32,"quote_tag":33,"commentary":9},1516808,"I was one of the early converts. I was using a BlackBerry as I drove. It's a critical part of our infrastructure. Both the government and the private sector rely upon it as a communications device, and because of that, an injunction is not an appropriate remedy.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[34],{"id":35,"tag":36},4511679,{"id":37,"tag_name":38},224394,"blackberry",{"currentPage":40,"totalPages":40,"totalItems":8,"itemsPerPage":41},1,10]