Growing up, one of the most memorable scents I can recall was the gag-inducing smell of Aqua Net when my grandmother returned home from the 'beauty parlor' on a Saturday morning. Another one was when my father decided Ralph Lauren's Polo cologne for men was sure to extend his sex appeal well into his 60's and beyond. To me, both products smell equally awful.
This past week, I had the misfortune of hitting the gym on the heels of a couple of fellow members who both reeked of Aqua Net and Polo. My workout routine had me trailing behind them on the equipment and their scents lingered on long after they had moved along.
The human sense of smell is a powerful catalyst for triggering emotions and thoughts. And that day, my emotions and thoughts about that couple were decidedly unfavorable. I don't really know them personally, other than the fact that they wear a lot of scents to the gym. And so, here is my impression of them:
They are self-centered and lack awareness and respect to their surroundings and the people they come in contact with.
Here's what I also know, this impression I have about them might be dead wrong. But, all I have to go on is how their scent trail triggered my emotions and thoughts.
In a similar way, there are certain personal leadership behaviors that have the same impact on our reputation and personal brand. They are behaviors that leave an impression on those around us in a silent yet powerful way.
Here are a few examples of what I call " Self Leadership Gym Scents to Avoid":
1. Not getting to your point quickly and efficiently in dialogue or writing.
2. While in a meeting, asking questions that validate your own agenda vs. forwarding the conversation toward solution.
3. Being glued to your hand held device while sitting in a meeting with others.
4. Multi-tasking while participating on a conference call.
5. Lacking awareness to what you don't know.
6. Lacking confidence & clarity about what you do know.
7. Responding without actually answering the question posed to you.
8. Knowing the foundational #1 purpose of your job.
9. Adopting a rigid position about your job, your team, your hours, or anything for that matter.
10. Overuse of common vernacular: i.e. starting off every sentence with the word 'So'.
Like wearing Aqua Net and Polo to the gym, these behaviors make a HUGE statement about you to others. They reveal things about your level of selfcenteredness and awareness to your environment. And, like Aqua Net and Polo, these 'scents' about you linger in the air for longer than you think.
Pay attention this week to any self-sabotaging Leadership Gym Scents you might be displaying....and if you find any, take a shower.
