Lead Like Someone's Watching (cause they are)

This time of year is akin to a whirlwind of activity as back to school / back to work is in full swing. The roads get busier, our lives get busier and we tend to focus a little more on what is in front of us versus the big picture. For my part, I get caught up in this as well. A few extra minutes in traffic here, making an extra trip to the rink or ball diamond there can take up more and more of what was free time just a few short weeks ago.

When it comes to doing routine tasks around the house, those few minutes lost can create a vacuum where you are rushing through remedial tasks that you otherwise would have taken more care to in easier times - taking out the trash, trimming the hedge that's growing onto the path beside your property or keeping the driveway and walkway clear of leaves and debris are good examples. In this story, I left many of these chores from my 'honey-do' list to the weekend, not uncommon for me when things get crazy with work, travel, sports and life in general.

Being a creature of habit, I tend to wear the same old grubby clothes to do yardwork. On this particular day I was out trimming the hedge at the side of my house and was in the process of sweeping up the debris from the trimmings. A dad walked by with his two little boys when one of them turned to him and said - "look dad, its Superman!"

Now, those who know me well can attest to the fact that my days of being a fine physical specimen are behind me - I certainly do not look like Superman (despite my best efforts haha). In this case, I was wearing an old tattered t-shirt with the Superman logo on it and the kid thought I was him and he was I. Flattered, I smiled and said hello. His dad and I had a good laugh about it at the time as he was as stunned as I was. Over the coming weeks and to this day, the dad walks by with the kids and the kid still says hi thinking he knows my secret identity as a superhero.

"You never know who is watching you and how they view you..."

What was a chance encounter while wearing my favourite beat up old t-shirt to do yard work is actually a very powerful lesson in leadership - you never know who is watching and how they view you. You can be stressed out to the max, going about your day and yet someone can still be looking at you as their hero. Some parallels to my experience that day as it relates to your role as a leader:

Lead in the Workplace: at work, someone usually is watching - your team, your co-workers, your superiors, your customers, your suppliers and the general public. Your actions define you and drive perception of your character, performance and potential. Even when times get tough, you MUST find ways to take the high road as a mis-step can cost you dearly. We've all seen examples of someone losing their cool or acting in a way that severely impairs their future (or present) employment status or potential.

Lead in Your Every Day: the stress of a long day and week can be taxing, no doubt. Bringing home that stress into your personal life can have challenging consequences. Your behaviour, actions and demeanor can change dramatically when you're having a bad day. While easier said than done, you need to find ways to park the challenges of your work day at the door. Your kids and family need you to be at your best. More importantly, they are watching how you act and learning what is acceptable and what is not. If they see you at your worst and believe that is 'normal', what are the long term implications?

Be Self Aware: the first two are easier said than done, no question. In the heat of the moment - a tough call or disagreement can push your buttons or those of others to the point where you are just not at your best. As a leader, you need to push through that and react / respond with the understanding that whatever you do is being watched, measured and forming a perception of you in some capacity. While it can be tough to keep your cool and take the high road at times, the alternative can have devastating career or social consequences.

As for my old t-shirt, it still gets the odd out of closet time doing chores in the yard. The stuck on bulldog grip remnants, paint and holes from fighting with shrubs make it less likely that anyone else is going to think I am Superman. Every now and then when they are walking by I pretend to rip my outer shirt or hoodie off like Superman but that is getting old too.

Until next time, keep the faith and be aware of your surroundings - you never know who is watching...

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Jim McKay is a seasoned supply chain executive with over twenty-five years experience in leading and coaching others. From the shop floor to the board room to the ball diamond and hockey rink, those who know him know that he has a few stories to share about life and leadership. Through his 'Reflections' posts and 'Reflections of a Workaholic' publications Jim shares his experience in transportation, supply chain and leadership through impactful and insightful stories that are meant to help and inspire others.

The commentary and opinions in these stories are his own...