“When looking at you, do people aspire to be like you?”
That’s an interesting question that I often ask myself- which has absolutely nothing to do with my physical appearance. It does, however, generate a seemingly endless string of questions on my effectiveness as a leader. Do I set a positive example of what a leader should be? Am I crazy when stressed or am I calm under fire and maintain sanity in times of turmoil? Am I inspiring others through my daily interactions?” And at home, am I modeling the characteristics my daughters should have in a husband?”
Answer- not always, but I need to be aware and work towards all the above and much more.
As a leader (at work or home), you’re ALWAYS being watched. How did Nate handle that? How does he maintain work life balance? Does Nate seem interested in me when we’re speaking or is he preoccupied by that next e-mail or text on his iPhone? Knowing you’re being watched is added pressure that goes with the leadership gig.
Harold Geneen, a former CEO of Raytheon and ITT, once said, “Leadership is practiced not so much in words as in attitude and in actions.”
Roy Croc, McDonald’s founder, said, “The quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves.”
Andrew Carnegie, historic Philanthropist, said, “The older I get the less I listen to what people say and the more I look at what they do.”
Take a peek in your leader mirror. What do you and others see?
-Nate Copeland