Attitude Starts at the Top
October 22nd, 2008 by Lois MelbourneHopefully, every manager is a leader. Certainly not every leader is a manager. I have mentioned The Leadership Challenge by Kouzes and Posner previously in this blog. Their #7 of the Ten Commitments of Leadership is, “Set the example by behaving in ways that are consistent with shared values.” I strongly believe that the “Attitude Starts at the Top.” If leaders set a good example with the decisions they make and the way they communicate those decisions, then the behavioral tone is set for the whole organization. If you need great leadership, then you must cultivate leadership all the time!
As I talk with people about their succession planning and the assignment of competencies to a role, I’m surprised at the assumption that the competencies designated as leadership or representing leadership are so often confined to the position of managers. I went through an entire index of competencies designated for a sales organization and, other than persuasion, leadership requirements were missing from the job competencies. Leadership has to be fostered throughout an organization. It needs to be developed for individuals and teams so that everyone can progress. When people lead they are usually more positive and display a better attitude.
Please review your expectations within your performance reviews and your job competencies. Look hard for the opportunities to build leaders and attitudes by setting the bar for what you expect of your individuals. If you set the bar high, they’ll rise to the occasion. This will, in turn, help with team projects, future succession planning, and every day in the progress of the company.
Oh, and as a leader, your attitude is being observed, especially in trying times.
Cheers,
Lois
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