Lord Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Boy Scouts, is often credited with saying that, “As the leader does, so do the boys.” This is just as true in business as it is in scouting.
When people choose to follow a leader, they do so for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, they perceive that the leader possesses qualities that they value. Often, they choose to follow because they are seeking a guide who will show them how to navigate within the business, culture, or environment in which they find themselves.
Followers look to the leader for an example that they can emulate. What they see is usually what they do.
I recently had lunch with a young man who was working for a leader he respected. I asked him what that leader had done to earn his respect. He answered,
“The company that I work for recently changed its calendar of recognized holidays and not everyone has the day after Thanksgiving off like we used to. Being one of the low men on the totem pole, I had to work on that Friday after Thanksgiving. I knew it was necessary and I knew why it was necessary. I didn’t especially like it; but, I understood it. When I got to the office on Friday morning, the first person I saw was my boss. I guess my face showed my surprise at seeing her because she greeted me with a smile and told me it was a workday for her just like for me. While she could have taken the day off, she did not do so and that enabled someone else on the team to spend the day with their family. She didn’t see herself as someone who was better than the rest of the team members. That earned my respect.”
When leaders walk their talk; when they demonstrate in all that they do the same level of commitment, dedication, and ethical behavior that they expect from their followers, they inspire those followers to commit, dedicate, and behave in the same manner.
The ones that you lead are watching you. They always do. What will they see; and, is it the behavior that you expect from them?