Are there challenges in leading by example?
Let’s use performance management as an example. It’s time-consuming, and you have to be disciplined and sit down and do it. So, is it hard to lead by example? Yes, because the phone always rings and there’s always something else that has to be done. There’s always a client that needs something. So, the discipline of doing that is very important and is it difficult at times? Yes.
I think in other ways when I think about leading by example that’s maybe a detailed example. I think treating people the way you want to be treated, being fair, kind of the other things we talked about, making principle-based decisions when you make decisions. Those are things I like to think I’m good at because that really gets down to the fabric of the entire culture of the organization. If someone sees a leader who isn’t what they perceived to be fair, who isn’t open, who doesn’t act with integrity, then your leadership is really impaired I think. Because they’re not going to follow you because you’re not someone who they view as someone worthy of being followed.
How do you handle an employee who doesn’t buy in?
It’s a matter of degree. So, if you’re asking me in a severe situation is that somebody who is a good producer who really mistreats the staff? I don’t even know what the words would be to be a big violator of our culture. I would tell you that they probably would not end up being here in the final analysis because we would place a very high value on behaving the right way and in following the principles that our firm has relative to behavior, how you treat clients, how you treat others around you. So we’d take a fairly hard line on that.
There are others things that aren’t as severe where we would say, ‘You know what. That’s just their point of view.’ You talk to them and work with them and just hope that through constant discussion, you are dealing with somebody who can see your point of view.
How to reach: Plante & Moran PLLC, (847) 697-6161 or www.plantemoran.com
