Will Smith’s recent reaction to the misrepresentation of comments he made during a newspaper interview shows superior leadership. It was in promoting his most recent box office smash that he made comments about Adolf Hitler.

The specific comment he made was “Even Hitler didn't wake up going, 'let me do the most evil thing I can do today.' I think he woke up in the morning and using a twisted, backwards logic, he set out to do what he thought was 'good.'”

Immediately several of the gossip-driven media picked up on the words “Hitler” and “good” in the same quotes. Selecting these words from the longer quote, they created a new story to sell their advertising space. Major media was quick to pick up on the controversy – many also omitting “twisted, backwards logic,” which is an important phrase in understanding what Smith was saying.

Most of today's leaders would have stayed out of the fray following their own misstated quotes thinking the truth would overcome the media surge. However Smith jumped on it immediately to correct any misconception.

This is an excellent example of how leadership is demonstrated. Smith did not want his reputation slurred while waiting for the truth to surface. He apparently understands that the longer misconception is in the public domain, the increased likelihood people will believe it, even once the truth eventually comes out.

Smith also seems to understand what many people have yet to learn. I have worked with thousands of people during my years in retailing and consulting. When you take the time to talk to people you understand that everybody wants to do “good”. It is part of the two universal elements of all people have: a desire for acceptance and a need for security. By doing good they will be accepted. Yet in workplaces some people learn a twisted concept of what good really is from their experiences.

Smith’s leadership ability should be applauded. He tackled controversy head-on. Do you hanlde controversy head-on, or do you hope it will pass?