The Shadow You Cast

Have you ever done something you ultimately regretted, only to watch a team member repeat the very same behavior?

What if many of the most powerful leadership lessons are not intentionally taught?

I am by nature a very confident and competitive person.

As a result, there was a time in my career when I was quite certain that I knew the correct approach to solve most problems. I rarely felt the need to collaborate with others before implementing a solution. I believed it was better to beg forgiveness than ask permission and often operated as if my decisions affected only my team.

I mistakenly believed that if I took my organization to the highest possible level, that would automatically be the best outcome for the company as a whole.

So I focused on what I could control and made the decisions that seemed logical to me.

Then two things happened that changed my perspective.

First, one of my managers implemented a new policy for his team without consulting others. While it made sense from his perspective, it created unintended consequences for several other groups.

Shortly thereafter, a sales leader approached me and explained that some of our operational methodologies were negatively impacting her team’s ability to deliver results.

At first, I viewed those situations as separate events.

Then it hit me.

My manager wasn’t creating his own leadership style.

He was copying mine.

He had learned from my example that acting independently and making unilateral decisions was acceptable behavior.

I had unintentionally taught that lesson.

That realization was both humbling and powerful.

As leaders, we all cast a shadow.

Whether we intend to or not, people are constantly watching how we respond, communicate, collaborate, and make decisions.

They often learn more from what we do than from what we say.

Years ago, Charles Barkley stated that he should not be viewed as a role model. While the sentiment may have been well-intentioned, I believe the statement was misguided.

Like it or not, he was being paid millions of dollars not only to be a basketball player and later a television personality, but also to represent a team and a network. Both roles automatically create influence and with that influence comes a responsibility to make that influence positive through your example.

John Wooden was one of the most successful basketball coaches in history. He set an example every day through his preparation, attention to detail, and demeanor under pressure. His players emulated that example, ultimately winning ten national championships in a twelve-year period.

Even today, decades after his coaching career ended, leaders continue to study and emulate his behaviors and mannerisms.

Who we are as leaders is often far more influential than what we say.

Whether we realize it or not, people are constantly watching.

They are watching how we react to adversity.

They are watching how we treat others.

They are watching how we prepare, communicate, and make decisions.

They are learning from our example.

What shadow are you casting today?

Is it one you would be proud to see reflected in others?

What is one thing you could improve to become a better example for those who are watching?

CHALLENGE
Today, remember that someone is watching.
Before your next decision, conversation, or reaction, ask yourself:
“If everyone on my team handled this situation exactly the way I am about to, would I be proud of the culture we create?