The Wall of Reflection: Leading by Example

It's normal for a leader to have expectations of their employees, but the best way to have an impact is to set a good example yourself.

You need to be the model you want your employees to follow if you want them to be dedicated, show up when they need you, and go above and beyond.

Doing so will help foster an environment where employees are more compassionate and committed to their task.

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Yesterday, I caught myself staring at the wall in front of me in the office, In deep reflection of the human psyche, a reflection from observing and speaking to people around of me. Trying to seek clarity in some areas of human understanding, reactions, decisions and also the way people choose to interact.

And I begin delving into myself- reflecting firstly the kind of mother I am with my 2 teenage boys, then people who trust me with their work life-my employees.

Am I leading by example? Expecting people or employees of my own to measure up to my expectation.

I realized that I tend to hold people accountable for their actions and word, because I hold myself even at a higher perch. So, we tend to project our internal world outwardly. A friend once said, if one tends to feel chaos, the tendency to create unnecessary chaos externally with people they interact with is high-and it is a reflection of how you are feeling inwardly. (Not mentioning it's the Mercury is Retrograding in the sign of Aries...ha!)

The story in my head - “my actions trickle down the organization as employees eyeball my actions”.

Role-modelling plays a very important value for myself as a manager- in respect of I want to walk the walk, talk the talk…OR is it walk the talk (?) smiles

For me, true leadership is merely about establishing expectation and alignment (a word I so greatly hate)

I used to live really far away from the workplace. About 25km sometimes longer with the direction from waze- with massive jams. Rushing to work doesn’t work well for me. It leaves me stressed and flustered arriving the office. Sometimes, I reckon spilling that vibe to my team.

I was (still is) blessed with having to choose a later time to come in. Although, I gave that same flexibility to my employees they decided to still come in to work early and apologies as if they broke some rule punishable when they are late (like please lah). Soon guilt sinked in….

The move closer to the workplace has given me the capacity to show up the same time for my people. I am in a happy place. Well, that’s me. Ensuring I drive and stride with them-together.

It has been ingrained by my mother (someone I look upon in terms of working career woman juggling with her family) whose a retired workaholic and was really loved by everyone around her - “Audrey, when you give, you receive”. (Another topic I might write about projection in the workplace because of our upbringing)

For me, if you see that the team is slipping behind schedule during a particularly hectic time at work. Working late is seeming more and more like a necessity in order to achieve the deadline, no matter how hard everyone tries.

It is critical for a leader to show their dedication by staying late and putting in extra hours, just like their employees. Maybe make the courtesy to order in dinner? Just maybe ?

Instead of texting and pushing them to complete in the hours of their off-work time to accommodate TO-YOUR-DATELINE- You make the conscious decision to stay late with your team, contributing to the ongoing tasks and demonstrating that your investment in the project's success is equal to theirs. And not just complete copy and paste in your slides. pfffftttt...some people...

By doing this, we foster a sense of camaraderie and collective accountability while also reinforcing the importance of teamwork.

You expect dedication, but you also know that understanding and empathy go a long way towards making the office a pleasant place to work.

Instead of adding to your employees' stress, you try to reduce it by taking into account potential obstacles like traffic or personal obligations.

If they are working late and during their off-work time, is it so detrimental to give them an additional hour to rest in the morning or clock out earlier?

An employee once voiced their worry that they could be late to work due to traffic. You don't ignore their worries since you're a leader who knows how stress affects efficiency and health.

Rather, don’t you think you should aim to foster an atmosphere that values adaptability and enhances their overall work experience?

What can we do? We-managers can show consideration for their individual circumstances by providing options like remote work or flexible hours.

You can create a more positive and welcoming work environment for your employees by showing that you care about their health and happiness and by offering answers to their problems. Not be part of the problem. SERIOUSLY???

Sometimes, when I'm in my reflective mode, I often ponder-only if we are a little kinder and understanding towards people, the "world" will be a better place. Treat others the same token we wanted to be treat (?). Can't we just give a little more since we are taking more than we should (for those transactional minded bosses?)

For me, when you want your employees to act in a certain way, set a good example by doing the same thing yourself.

You have to be there for them if you expect or want them to be there for you.

You may foster a culture of dedication, comprehension, and support by modelling the behaviour you want to see from others and holding yourself to the same standards you preach. Team morale rises, production rises, and everyone enjoys a more pleasant and fulfilling work experience as a result.

You reap what you Sow. And when flower dies, its because of the environment you created for your employees.

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Let's lead by example. Lead with intention.

Audrey Lean #iamamillenial