by Michael Holland –
Two friends have recently told you that living a healthier life is very important to them. While at the grocery store, you see both friends checking out with different cashiers.
One is buying nachos, French onion dip, a 12-pack of Coke, and a box of pastries. The other friend is buying fresh celery, low-fat yogurt, bananas, and organic apple juice. Clearly, one friend has aligned his behaviors with what he says he believes.
Your leadership decisions and behaviors reveal your true beliefs, purpose, and what’s most important to you.
Many leaders talk a good game about how they lead, inspire, and motivate their employees, but only a few self-actualized, hearty leaders actually lead in ways that support what they say. The evidence for this is striking:
- Empowered employees will surround a leader who empowers others.
- Confident employees will surround a leader who has instilled confidence in others.
- Energized employees will surround a leader who has inspired others to a great cause.
If you’re buying celery and healthy foods, you don’t need to tell me you’re trying to live a healthy life, I’ll already know that you are.
The same goes for living out good leadership. If you are wondering where the good leaders are in your company, just find the pockets of highly engaged, energized, and empowered employees. They will point you directly to the better leaders.
Coaching Thoughts – For You and Your Peers
- Take a few minutes to look at the leaders in your life: do they pass the celery test? Now do the same for yourself: do you?
- What beliefs form the core of your leadership principles? How do they shape the way you treat your employees, peers, and bosses?
- Is there one small behavior you could change today that would reveal more of the leader you want to be?
