Actions speak louder than words. We’ve all heard that saying many times, I’m sure. As leaders, we must live it. We are being watched all the time and what we do and how we act sets the example for those around us.
- What are you saying about your day as you walk to your car?
- Do you clean up after yourself in the cafeteria?
- Do you say hello to the evening cleaning crew?
- Do you meet your deadlines?
- Do you walk your talk?
If we expect the people around us to be respectful and courteous towards others, as well as professional and diligent in their work, we need to do the same. John Ruskin said,
What we think or what we know or what we believe is, in the end, of little consequence. The only consequence is what we do.
In their terrific book, The Leadership Challenge, Jim Kouzes, and Barry Posner lay out the five practices of exemplary leadership. One of the five keys is “Model The Way.” In short, you must create the standard for excellence and then be the example for all to see and follow.
In The Effective Executive, Peter Drucker addresses the qualities and responsibilities of a corporate leader. One of the things he tells the reader is that a strong leader must be a person of integrity, setting an example for other employees to model themselves after.
When have you seen the actions of the leader inspire others? Share your story!
Great discussion. Importance of always correcting our own walk as we move thru the day.
Kathy – Thank you for visiting L2L and for commeting on my post. Come back often and join in the conversation!
One of my favorite leadership lessons was written in the Tao te Ching by Stephen Mitchell
When the Master governs, the people
are hardly aware that he exists.
Next best is a leader who is loved.
Next, one who is feared.
The worst is one who is despised.
If you don’t trust the people,
you make them untrustworthy.
The Master doesn’t talk, he acts.
When his work is done,
the people say, “Amazing:
we did it, all by ourselves!”
When people are empowered and when people can trust the leader leadership happens.
The goal is to be like the Master … and when the people are done they feel like it was them that accomplished great things. The power of influence coupled with real trust makes a huge difference.