You’ve often heard the expression that it’s the little things that count. This simple statement is applicable to a myriad of life’s situations from learning to play golf to understanding the principles of persuasion. It’s often an understanding of the “little things” associated with the task that dictate success or failure.
Leadership is also about the little things. Great leaders recognize this simple truth and live their lives serving as examples for others. Need proof? Just ask yourself: “How often do I make leadership decisions?” When you stop to think about it, you make these types of decisions every day . . . from moment to moment. They may not seem to have such a tremendous impact. But these decisions build upon each other until they form the basis of who you are. Consider these endless examples:
How do you treat your co-workers, especially those whom you might label as “subordinates?” For instance, if you are an attorney, how do you treat your secretary, a new associate, or the person who maintains the copy machine? If you are a medical doctor, how do you treat nurses or other subordinate health personnel? Are you a manager who talks about teamwork and loyalty but gossips about employees behind their backs?
How do you deal with clients? Do you set expectations in advance or do you allow circumstances to dictate results? As an example, a CPA may find herself fearful of losing a client if she fully explains the possible results of a course of action that the client does not want to hear. It takes courage for her to set expectations in advance to a client who balks at listening. That’s leadership.
How do you treat your children? Is your word your bond? Or when you tell your 13-year-old that you will attend her softball game, do you fail to attend because work intervenes?
How do you treat your spouse? Are you honest in your dealings? Perhaps you are going through a divorce. Are you courageous in making sure the kids are your top priority and not your anger?
Yes, it’s the little things . . .
When you greet someone, do you look the other person in the eye and repeat his or her name with a strong handshake and smile?
When you leave a voice message on the phone, do you speak slowly so that the person listening does not have to repeat the message to understand your words?
Do you set an example for others by arriving to work on time?
Do you set an example for others by listening without interrupting?
Do you tell your children that it is wrong to cheat, but you own a radar detector?
These are all leadership decision making moments that constantly confront us. How we respond to these little things dictates our character over time. They may be little things and self-evident to many, but who among us doesn’t struggle with these day-to-day decisions?
The truth is that you make decisions every moment that have an impact on others and determine the quality of your leadership. We are all leaders in some capacity. Those of us who are aware of this truism have obtained one of life’s greatest gifts and are living life’s most valuable lessons.
Rob Sherman, JD, is a speaker, trainer and author of Sherman's 21 Laws of Speaking: How to Inspire Others to Action. He can be reached at 614-472-3200 or RobSherman@ShermanLeadership.com or by visiting ShermanLeadership.com
Reprinted with permission. Sherman's Executive Communicator. Subscribe for free at ShermanLeadership.com