Here is another item for the category – It goes without saying…but we need to say it anyway.

You got the new job. You have big ideas. You have a perfect background to lead this team. Perfect. Just don’t tell anyone out loud.

There is no situation in which the axiom “Actions speak louder than words” applies than in your role as a leader. Those you lead must find you credible, qualified, and trustworthy. However, they don’t make this positive determination based on what you say. They only make this determination based on what you do.

Yes, you have to speak, but when you do it must be about them. It must be about their activities. It must be about their goals. NOT YOURS!

It’s not about what you feel you need to say. Your vision and influence become obvious by your actions, not your speech. What do they need to hear?

• You listening, for fears and issues.
• You asking questions to help you understand and learn from them.
• You participating in solving problems. Note the word participating, not leading.
• You showing how their fears will be allayed.

Working together on projects, seeing how you react and interact will tell the real story about you. Can the boss cut it? Does the boss care? Does the boss think it’s about us or the boss?

Do you have an executive coach? If not, why not? That’s who should hear the meta facts about you, your position, how you will leverage your  experience, etc. For blog readers only – contact us to schedule a 30 minute no-cost call to discuss how this strategy works for you.

Photo Credit: ePhotography

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