Like it or not any position of leadership places the incumbent into a 'public spotlight'. For some it is just within a family surround, for others it may well be national or even global media coverage! A leader therefore becomes a player in a reality show and people will want to watch and compare them - compare to others, to themselves, to general expectations and to common values.
People compare against what they see, hear and perceive. Really good leaders will make sure that their messages and actions are consistent. Given that followers need to place trust in their leaders any action that does not support and reinforce the spoken messages, creates confusion for the followers - worse still would be asking followers to do something but then not doing the same yourself as the leader. If it is not good enough for the leader, then it is not good enough for the followers - Servant Leadership has much to do with this philosophy.
We (especially in South Africa) face a barrage of conflicting messages from local and global leaders because their actions don't align to their public messages. Followers have expectations of their leaders and if these expectations are not met on all occasions then credibility and respect is lost.
In essence as a leader you have an obligation to your followers to set an example as to how you want things to be done and to live by that same example.
Key take-outs:
- Be clear on both your and your organisations values
- If you make statements be prepared to be tested against them for your own compliance
- Get out there and be seen to take actions and lead
- Never expect followers to do things you would not do yourself
- Look for role models who you admire and pick out the examples they set for their followers.