Gretchen Miller

Leading Your Team by Example
May 18, 2007

As the owner of a small business or simply the one who runs the show you may have more influence over the behavior of your team than you think. The problem is that this influence comes more from what you do and less from what you say.

In our work at UKNY we often deal with CEO’s and managers who wonder why their team isn’t performing up to standard or doing what they have been asked to do. Often there are a variety of causes anything from a lack of role clarity to a gap in skills. However, more often than not we find the boss has a significant part to play. It’s a job they forgot they had - that of a role model.

Haven’t thought of your self as a role model?It might be the time to start.

Take stock of the behaviors you have recently observed on your team both good and bad. Pay special attention to the behaviors that have a negative impact on your business.

Reflect on yourself. It might feel strange to do this in a business context, after all it’s not your therapist’s office! Make a list of the positive things you want to keep doing and the not-so-positive things you want to limit or stop.

Pick one behavior you want to stop or modify. By exhibiting a negative behavior, you may have unknowingly made it OK for your staff to follow suit. For example, if you are trying to cultivate a friendly, service- oriented team why not become the friendly, service oriented boss? It could just mean smiling and saying hello to everyone, modeling the behavior you wish to see with your customers. It does not necessarily mean free pizza for lunch every day.

Make note of how you are feeling. Having a bad day? Tired or stressed out? Sure, it happens to everyone but knowing how you feel on a particular day – will help you to manage your mood around your team. Like it or not, your mood does have an impact. If today is not your day maybe you lock yourself in the office and catch up on paperwork. It’s OK to be honest with your team and let them know you are having an “off” day. There is no need to get into any personal details just ask for some space, you’ll be surprised how often they will give it to you.

While it is unrealistic to expect anyone to be a perfect role model, keep in mind this is a part of your role as a manager or supervisor. Trying your best to demonstrate the behaviors associated with success in your business will positively impact your staff. Unfortunately, the flip side is also true and it’s just not enough to "Do as I say and not as I do”.

Posted by Gretchen Miller on May 18, 2007 | Comments (0)