— To follow is a bullet of wisdom on leadership. It comes from Tom’s rifle, named Shot, who has seen it all. You’ll get the drift by clicking Blog in the menu at www.tomnewhouse.com. —
BIG HAT; NO CATTLE. I have learned you can look the part and not be it. Now, if I, a lonely rifle, can decipher as much, you can imagine that “all show and no go” is evident to nearly everyone…in time. Yep, time will tell that you are thin ice, unworthy of anyone’s trust.
You got it, leaders, we are back to trust. Every time you declare something, you invite examination for hypocrisy. Why should anyone do what you say when they see cracks in what you do? Not necessarily breaks, cracks. To those who are to trust you, cracks show up as indecision, inconsistency, indifference, indignity, ineptitude, and worse. No, you’ve got to be visibly doing what you say to degrees beyond normal. Say “cut expenses,” and you have to practice austerity always. Say “work extra,” and you better be in the office early and late. Say “develop others,” then plan on coaching, promoting within, and supporting time for training. These are examples meant to frame the picture. Are you getting it?