Set the Example

Your employees experience you by what you say, and what you do. It’s not that you have to be perfect, brilliant, or totally know everyone’s job, but how you handle yourself at work is huge.

Some bosses are the driven, Type A characters who can be inspiring to work for, especially if their intelligence or creative gifts add up to tangible rewards for everyone else. But most employees find those folks to be ultimately too much. They’re too jarring to deal with. Plus, it’s hard to sustain trying to get into alignment with a workaholic.

The key example a leader should set is the focus on the work, while at work. Being very determined can be good, bringing high seriousness to the project can be exactly what’s needed, but a good manager can also be light-hearted, even funny. It’s possible to have wonderful conversations about kids, baseball, movies – whatever – with relaxed bosses. But good bosses also like to talk about the work – how are we doing, what’s been happening, what else can we do, how can I help you?

It’s really important to recognize good work, in both senses – be able to know it when you see it, and also say it out loud.

Say “thank you” anytime you reasonably can. Yes, praise can be overdone, especially if it seems too pat or automatic, but it’s a critical piece of true human motivation. People need to know you’re watching, recognizing what’s actually going on, and appreciating the effort.

Integrity is more than not lying; it’s about honorable motivation. It’s noticed right away if it looks like you’re trying to take credit for someone else’s work. And, if you actually get caught, that’s a major loss of credibility.

Go the other way – convey that you’re the fortunate colleague of wonderful workers. Get them the resources they need. Shoulder blame and defend your people from criticism, especially from sniping whether from outside or from on high.

Being relaxed can make all the difference. The message is that the work isn’t overwhelming: “We’re in this to succeed, and we all will if we just stay focused, keep moving forward, learn from mistakes, and trust and support each other.”