In the Spotlight

March 11, 2024?

Dear Leaders,?

The Oscars – glitz and glamour, fame and fortune, standing in the spotlight.? A wonderful time for all in the moment, but the next day, they roll up the red carpet, less-than-famous people get to clean up the mess from the parties and maybe score a few leftovers, and the buzz goes on about who won and who lost.? But for those in the public eye, the spotlight never goes out, as you’re always on display for others to see.? Leaders may not be movie stars, but you also need to always be aware of your image, for you never know who’s watching.?

How many times have we seen someone clearly in the public eye do something to which we say, “What was he thinking?”? The actor arrested for solicitation.? The football coach, new on the job, recognized in a strip bar.? The governor of a state who disappears for a few days, only to be found jaunting away with his mistress.? The representative stopped for driving while intoxicated, asking if he could avoid being reported.? If you note that I said “he” in the question, the answer should be obvious.??

Joe Paterno coached football at Penn State University for 45 years.? Beyond 409 victories, 24 bowl wins, and two national championships, he had the loving respect at his school and throughout college football.? With his teams often contending for championships, he was always in the public eye as a gentleman whose teams were about more than football.? In the penultimate year of his career, it all came crashing down due to his previous failure to act on a report of an assistant coach sexually abusing children.? He was fired from his job and died shortly thereafter, with a reputation forever stained, and serving as a hard-learned lesson for other leaders on the consequences of bad judgment.?

In days of yore, it was easier to get away with bad judgment and misdeeds.? Attending a party in another country many years ago, I had the privilege of hobnobbing with our ambassador and many high-ranking military officers and officials from the USA and the host country.? As the revelry continued, I noticed how many of them were not shy at patronizing the bar, and a bit later, the same ambassador was literally leaning on my shoulder, drink in hand, and it was obvious that it wasn’t his first one.? We had a nice chat, and I was thinking that here was our nation’s official representative rather publicly inebriated, yet neither he, nor anyone else thought much of it, and it went otherwise unnoticed. ?(For the record, I was on-call, and drank only my favorite Coca-Cola.)?

I’m not world-famous, and certainly don’t have the following on LinkedIn that some of my colleagues enjoy, but as I rose in rank and position, it occurred to me that I would be recognized by those I encountered, and it was important to look and act the part.? I had already learned that the benefits of excessive alcohol consumption were less cash in my wallet and a nasty hangover the following day, so I had long ceased to drink much.? Beyond that, I found it interesting to listen and watch as others did, and you can learn a lot about human nature and the people with whom you associate. ??

Even without alcohol being involved, as a leader, you must be always “on,” as it’s more than just being recognized, it’s maintaining your credibility and authority.? The military has strict rules and strong guidelines on fraternization and conduct, and those in leadership roles now who step out of line will find their next career move is transitioning to be a civilian.? I saw the obvious need, and always kept that line intact.? When invited to a promotion party for several of my soldiers, I had but one beer, enjoyed some conversation, advised them to have a fun time and look out for each other, and then exited, stage right. ???????

You won’t see me on the cover of People, Time, or Forbes anytime soon, but it doesn’t mean that I live a life of anonymity.? Having lived and worked in Orange County, California (Population:? 3.2 million) for many years now, I can’t go anywhere in the area without being recognized.? Between my extensive work for the federal government, my church, and my civic engagement and volunteer work, I encounter people who know me even if I don’t know them, so I have to ensure that I look the part before stepping out of the house, for beyond the visual, even speaking to my wife in public prompts my hearing, “I know that voice,” followed by a pleasant encounter.??

For leaders, what we used to call image is more commonly known now as brand, and that brand has to sell, regardless of what you do, for leadership puts you in the public eye, so let not their vision of you be dimmed by poor choices and bad actions.? The spotlight will follow you everywhere, so put forth the genuine image that you want them to see, and that light will remain on you, even after you exit the stage for the last time.??

Sincerely,

Tim