Notes to Self – The Standard is What You Walk Past

There is an old leadership saying, "your standard is what you walk past," meaning what you choose to ignore or let slide reflects the true standards of your team.?

Leaders are constantly shaping the culture of their teams, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Every action—or inaction—sends a message. When a leader walks past an issue without addressing it, they’re silently signaling that this behavior or situation is acceptable. You have intentionally or unintentionally told the team this is the standard.?

The Silent Signal of Tolerance

Imagine a team where punctuality is emphasized as crucial to productivity. The leader declares this value but consistently ignores late arrivals at meetings. The message sent is punctuality doesn’t really matter. Its not what the leader says, but the standard the leader exhibits for themselves and holds the team accountable to.?

In this scenario, the leader’s inaction—failing to address lateness—becomes the true standard. The result? A breakdown in trust, consistency, and accountability.

Leading by Example: No Excuses

If you’re aiming to foster excellence, integrity, or collaboration, those values must be demonstrated and enforced, consistently. This is especially true in difficult moments when you might be tempted to "let it slide." Walking past a problem undermines the standard you wish to establish.? By confronting issues, you're not only upholding a standard but also fostering a culture of excellence.

Walking past problems leads to a dangerous erosion of trust within the team. If your words don’t match your actions, team members begin to doubt your commitment to the values you espouse.? Leaders who tackle issues directly, set clear expectations, and enforce accountability create an environment where trust thrives. Employees feel secure knowing they work in a place where standards are upheld, fostering consistency.

How to Maintain High Standards

1. Be Observant: Pay attention to what you say and hold out as the standard.? Then pay attention to the details on that.? Ensure you are walking the walk and being an example of all the key standards.?
2. Address Issues Promptly: Delayed responses send mixed messages and can allow negative behaviors to fester.
3. Set Clear Expectations: Communicate the standard you wish to see and ensure everyone understands it.

As a leader, your impact isn’t solely in what you say but in what you choose to tolerate. Walking past problems sets a dangerous precedent. Don’t just declare high standards—enforce them. In doing so, you’ll build a culture rooted in trust, integrity, and excellence.

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