DELANY ON LEADERSHIP: WHAT MAKES A LEADER A ROLE MODEL?
DELANY ON LEADERSHIP: WHAT MAKES A LEADER A ROLE MODEL?
Leaders sometimes forget how closely their team is watching them. ?Most of the time, what team members are watching is not what the leader thinks (hopes?) they’re watching.? Instead of the big concepts, methods, insight and skills that the leader may be most proud of, the team is watching little things that many leaders rarely think about.?
It is in those little actions where the leader becomes the team’s role model . . .?and the team and team culture will reflect every nuance, including:
-?????What matters most to the leader? For example, does the leader prioritize winning and exceptionalism or reducing confrontation and eliminating problems.?No matter what the team’s printed mission may be, what really matters most to the leader is quickly perceived because it is a key to advancement and survival for team members.
-?????Cutting corners. Does the leader naturally cut corners??The team will learn to skimp or be sloppy too.
-?????Honesty and openness. Little white lies can become the norm, if that’s the culture of its leader.
-?????Taking responsibility. Pointing fingers will ultimately become a game everyone plays.
-?????Fairness. When some team members are treated unfairly, the rest of the team quickly works to learn the real rules so they can tip the balance in their favor.
-?????Treating everyone with respect. Lacking respect for each team member quickly shuts down innovation and feedback from the entire team because no one will want to risk derision.
The team is highly perceptive, almost like a child watching a parent, and ultimately they pick up every subtlety, seeking to emulate its leader. ?As the team’s role model, it’s the little things that make the team and its culture.