There can only be one role model, and that one is the leader. It is the primary reason leaders are so influential in the scheme of things. I frequently write about this because leaders are responsible for the environments they create. Every group has a leader. Every member of the group makes this so.
Fight or undermine the leader in any way, and you court potential destruction. Leaders have the power to deal with and eliminate problems. If the problem is a person who refuses to follow the leader, they are gone. Two cannot sit on the same throne.
So, either we are that rare individual who is a total loner, only to our own needs, or we are part of a group following the dictates, verbal or otherwise, of the leader. In every instance, the leader is the “role model.” If the leader does not know and accept that they are a role model, it is a serious problem. Too often, leaders do things and behave in ways that say, “I don’t respect you; I have no time for you; I’m not listening; I don’t care what your problems are… Just get it done!” If this, or any other variation of the same theme is your experience, how does it make you feel?
When I worked with leaders, I ensured they understood that I held them responsible for most staff and relationship problems. Their behavior had more to do with their people problems than any other factor. “Communication is the answer to the problem” became my mantra. Most importantly, the firms I worked with became safe enough for staff to accept problem-solving as one of their own issues and not always depend on their leader. Good things happened, and groups and individuals benefited.
I respect, regard—Those I lead know this of me—We, community
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