Simple! But maybe not so easy!

Perhaps you've heard this.

Do what you say! Say what you do!

Is it simple? Yes. Easy? Not so much.

Just suppose I were to ask you: Do you want others to say what you do?

Sometimes, if we were honest, we'd rather not let other people know what we say behind closed doors. At least not everything.

When it comes to meetings, I always say there are three meetings: the actual one that takes place, the one that was planned, and the one after the meeting. I refer to it as the meeting after the meeting. Usually, I laugh about it, but it's the latter that is most important when it comes to fixing culture.

Let's be honest. People talk!

Here is where I learned this lesson.

Years ago, I approached my boss, the VP of sales, about a problem I had with another person in the organization. As soon as he recognized the nature of my complaint and who it concerned, he interrupted, stopped me mid-sentence. He then said, John, let me call (fictitious name here) Barry in and let's get his side of the story. Before I could form a rebuttal, he immediately picked up the phone and paged Barry to his office.

And now, the situation has changed drastically. Now I wasn't just talking about someone, I was being forced to talk to someone. At the ripe age of 27, I was now uncomfortable. I was forced to do what leaders do... hard things! That day, I would learn to become more adult-like by taking ownership of my actions. I would be accountable.

I did not recognize it then, but my boss was a great leader!

Understand, it was not whether I was right or wrong; it was about confronting issues head-on, with urgency, and being truthful. At the same time, drama, back-biting, and gossip were being eliminated. Why? There was no place to hide from truth.

That day, I learned about leadership. I learned how to create and maintain a positive culture. Set a precedent for the future and the way things would be done. You see, I was only allowed to discuss Barry with Barry being present and in the room.

I've tried to practice this principle ever since. It would be a lesson not soon forgotten.

"Effectiveness as a leader requires doing hard things."

As with everything in life, hard things become easier with time, practice, repetition and discipline.

Here are five ways to increase your effectiveness and better your culture.

1. Identify Key Issues and take immediate action. Establish the ground rules. People are watching! ?Set up and communicate through your actions just how things will be done and how expectations will be met. Do not simply talk about it or create a memo. Resolution, and response should happen NOW. Not later.
2. Model the behavior. Culture change happens from the top down and from the inside out. If you expect learning, you must be a learner. If you expect openness and more communication, begin to be more open-minded to ideas. If you wish people to listen, then become a better listener. If coaching is needed to increase engagement, then you must have a coach. Become a product of the product for which you advocate.
3. Own the outcome. Do the right thing, and positive long-term results will follow.?Accept accountability for less-than-optimal results. But know the goals and intended outcomes that precede your actions. Often, we know what the "right thing" is; we simply fail to execute. Do it!?Do it now! Take ownership
4. Convey. Convey. Convey. Performance gaps occur from a lack of communication and then from a lack of execution. Do what you say you will do! You will earn the respect of your team. Set high expectations for the same from team members. You'll be glad you did.
5. Praise and encourage the "right" behavior". Always give more credit than you accept. Effective leaders always credit and praise their teams for results. Recognize a valiant "try" even when results are less than expected. There are always unforeseen and unintended results. Stay positive!

Soon, the culture will have its own standard, and key managers and leaders will follow and communicate that standard, resulting in less drama, less turnover, and less attrition. This will save thousands, which will go directly to the bottom line.

The true beauty is that you will spend more time doing the things that get results instead of managing drama in the workplace, and that is a big win!

Dare To Lead Differently!

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