Bring your values to life.
It takes people visually seeing the values in action. Anybody can say what they want to say, but people need to clearly observe whether management is adhering to the vision and the values.
You are on candid camera if you are the manager. People are going to view how you walk and talk, how you interact, how you behave. They are all indicators because people are observing you.
When I travel, people want to know what hotel I’m staying at. If I’m trying to instill a sense of frugality and saving costs, but then I stay in a five-star hotel, there is a disagreement in terms of what I’m saying and what I’m doing.
If I’m flying first class and telling people to fly economy or taking a direct flight and telling people to take five different stops, if I’m treating myself different than what I say the values are, nobody will believe me. So it is critical for leaders to demonstrate that they are adhering to the values of the organization.
The bottom line is you lead by example. That is the only way. Actions speak louder than words. You can say all you want, but if you don’t behave in the way you are saying you should, you lose credibility.
That’s why the leadership of an organization should have an absolute view of the vision and what it means to demonstrate the values on a daily basis.
Remember what makes a leader.
I tell people to treat others like you would want to be treated. It’s a simple philosophy.
I tell people to give me respect for who I am as a human being; don’t give me respect because of my title, because of my position or my money. If a title can make all the difference, let me call myself God. That doesn’t make you God.
By calling yourself a chairman, you don’t actually become a chairman. Leaders are not leaders because they have a title. Leaders are there because people look to them, people respect them for who they are and what values they have, what competencies they have.
The title you give yourself doesn’t make you a leader. How people perceive you, the example you set and the job you do is what makes the difference.
HOW TO REACH: Adea Inc., (972) 764-1700 or www.adeasolutions.com
