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Hello
'To lead people, walk behind them.'
Lao Tzu
You have likely heard the saying 'walk the talk' in reference to an individual or an organization's authenticity.
Consider this:
The way your team 'walks' could very likely be a direct reflection of the leadership 'talk' they are getting from you. In other words,
They are walking YOUR talk.
If we do as Lao Tzu suggests above, by walking behind our team we have a perfect vantage point to observe their 'walk'. Let's look at a few types of walks you may be noticing and explore what leadership 'talks' might be behind each of them:
I. Walking on Egg Shells
The Team Walk is:
Cautious, Tentative, Risk Averse
The Walk Lacks: Trust
The Walk Reflects: Fear
The Leadership Talk is:
Inconsistent, Emotional, Reactive
The Leadership Talk Lacks: Trust
The Leadership Talk Reflects: Fear
II. Sleep Walking
The Walk is
Slow, Disconnected, Careless
The Walk Lacks: Engagement
The Walk Reflects: Apathy
The Leadership Talk is
Change Averse, Non-Innovative, Numbing
The Leadership Talk Lacks: Engagement
The Leadership Talk Reflects: Apathy
III. Walking with Purpose
The Walk is
Passionate, Energized, Engaged
The Walk Lacks: Fear
The Walk Reflects: Clear Purpose
The Leadership Talk:
Values Team, Honors Individuals, Shares Success
The Leadership Talk Lacks: Fear
The Leadership Talk Reflects: Clear Purpose
Perhaps today is a good day to take some time to observe your team's walk. Be as objective and honest in your assessment as you can.
Ask yourself questions like this:
What is my 'talk' ? What might it be saying to my team?How has my 'talk' influenced their walk?What kind of 'walk' do I want them to have?
Why do I want that?
What will I do differently to influence their walk in a way that serves the organization best?
Our walk is, ultimately, our own. And in the end, each individual is solely responsible for the choices made around who's talk to walk.
That said, as the organizational leader, your influence on your team's choice is probably greater than you think. And, it is entirely possible that your talk is reflected more prominently in your team's walk than you might realize.
Greetings!
Mike
Mike Malinchok, Certified Executive Coach
ph: 215-341-9740
email: mmalinchok@verizon.net
Follow the conversation with me on twitter
@s2kconsulting
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