If You Lead, You Set the Tone
Summary
- I noticed my team looking like they just rolled out of bed during calls, which made me feel embarrassed about our company's appearance.
- I realized that I set the standard for what is acceptable. Since I was showing up in sweatpants and a hoodie, my team thought it was okay to do the same.
- People follow your actions, not your words, so the way you present yourself influences how your team behaves.
- I made a change and started doing my hair and makeup for our calls.
- Within a month, my team started showing up differently, looking more put-together, with their hair done and makeup on.
- This taught me that leading by example is powerful and doesn’t require saying anything; how you show up dictates how others do.
Video
How To Take Action
Implementing these lessons can greatly improve both your personal and business life, without much cost or time involved.
For Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs:
- Lead by Example: Begin by setting a higher standard for your appearance. Dress neatly and groom yourself well. This small change can foster a more professional environment in your team.
- Consistent Behavior: Ensure that this behavior is consistent. Don’t switch back to casual clothes and unkempt hair once in a while. Your team might get confused about the standards.
- Subtle Encouragement: While leading by example is key, you can gently encourage your team by complimenting them when they show up looking professional. Positive reinforcement can boost morale and encourage consistency.
For Personal Growth:
- Daily Routine Adjustments: Start incorporating a grooming routine into your day, even if you work from home. This helps build self-discipline and can make you feel more productive.
- Mindset Shift: Understand that how you present yourself can impact your self-esteem and the perception others have of you. Make small improvements such as dressing up a bit nicer than usual.
- Accountability: Accountability partners can help. Share your goals with a friend or colleague who is also looking to make positive changes, and check in with each other regularly.
These strategies don’t require much investment but offer high returns in terms of personal growth and professional team dynamics. By merely changing how you present yourself, you can lead and inspire others to elevate their own standards.
Full Transcript
I was on a call with about 10 of my teammates and I remember looking at my team one day and thinking like dude they all look like they just rolled the out of bed and I was like that's kind of embarrassing like I don't want a company that looks like this I literally looked at the call and then I was like oh you look like this you look like you just rolled out of bed I showed up every day in sweatpants and a hoodie with no makeup my hair and a bun therefore they all think it's acceptable what you do sets the standard for what's tolerable and acceptable for the rest of the team because people don't listen to what you say they follow what you do and how you show up I started doing my hair I started doing my makeup and guess what happened within a month everybody started showing up differently everyone looked better they had their hair done they had makeup on they didn't look like they just rolled out the bread they looked like they brushed their teeth and I was like holy crap that really works like I don't have to say anything it's just how I show up that will dictate how others do
