There are THOUSANDS of leadership books out there all spouting off about how, if you want to be a good leader, you must be a role model of excellence, quality, integrity, etc. When done well, embodying these traits can be a faith-building source of encouragement.
But is it possible to over-do it?
In other words, are your efforts to be an excellent role model inspiring...or irritating?
When someone - even a role model - is not relatable, it can actually put off members of your team instead of engaging them. Being completely competent in your behaviors is only half of the requirement of being a leader. Unless there is a relationship with your team, your "good example" efforts can be seen as distancing you from their "mere mortal" results.
The solution? Be a role model of humility. Be a role model of honesty. Be "real". Share (appropriately) your shortcomings, your pain and concerns - in a way that they can identify with withOUT undermining their confidence in your or the journey you are all jointly traveling. This will help them see that you are experiencing the same "reality" that they are challenged with - and you are choosing to strategically persevere and have a positive attitude through it all. Just like they can.
So they continue following you and everyone benefits.
Just a natural consequence of NOT being irritating - and, instead, being an inspirational leader.
Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!
But is it possible to over-do it?
In other words, are your efforts to be an excellent role model inspiring...or irritating?
When someone - even a role model - is not relatable, it can actually put off members of your team instead of engaging them. Being completely competent in your behaviors is only half of the requirement of being a leader. Unless there is a relationship with your team, your "good example" efforts can be seen as distancing you from their "mere mortal" results.
The solution? Be a role model of humility. Be a role model of honesty. Be "real". Share (appropriately) your shortcomings, your pain and concerns - in a way that they can identify with withOUT undermining their confidence in your or the journey you are all jointly traveling. This will help them see that you are experiencing the same "reality" that they are challenged with - and you are choosing to strategically persevere and have a positive attitude through it all. Just like they can.
So they continue following you and everyone benefits.
Just a natural consequence of NOT being irritating - and, instead, being an inspirational leader.
Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!
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