A Guide to Authenticity: Don't Ask Others to Do What You Wouldn't Do Yourself
Picture this: You're the newly minted leader of your office pack - the alpha of the workplace jungle. You've got the corner office, the hefty paycheck, and an intimidating job title. But here's the kicker: you also have a bucket load of responsibilities, a team looking up to you, and a significant risk of being the target of water cooler gossip if you get things wrong. Scary, right?
Well, don't fear, because I'm here to dish out a piece of advice that'll have you ruling the roost in no time. It's so simple you'll think I'm joking, but stick with me. Ready? Here it goes: "Don't ask others to do what you wouldn't do yourself." That's it. No, really, that's it!
You might be thinking, "What? That's it? That can't possibly be it!" Ah, but it is, my friend. This mantra is the heart of authentic leadership, the secret sauce that separates great leaders from, well, not-so-great ones.
"But why? How can something so simple be so effective?" you might ask. Well, grab a cup of coffee (or tea, if that's your jam) and let me explain.
When you, as a leader, abide by this principle, you're setting an example of fairness and integrity. It's not just about sharing the workload or getting your hands dirty (though that's certainly part of it). It's about showing your team that you're not above any task, no matter how menial it might seem.
Ever heard of the janitor-CEO? No, it's not a sitcom plot, it's a real-life phenomenon. Some CEOs of big-name companies have been known to pick up a mop and bucket to clean up a spill. Why? Because they wouldn't ask their janitorial staff to do something they wouldn't do themselves. Now, does this mean you need to start scrubbing toilets to be a great leader? Not necessarily. But it does mean that you should be willing to step in and help out wherever you're needed.
Applying this principle also means acknowledging that every task and every role in your organization is important, including the ones that may seem small or unglamorous. After all, the wheels of a well-oiled machine turn smoothly only when every part does its job, right?
Remember, great leaders aren't born; they're made. And they're made, in part, by sticking to principles like this one. So next time you're about to delegate a task, take a moment to ask yourself, "Would I be willing to do this myself?" If the answer is no, well... you might need to rethink your approach.
And hey, if all else fails, at least you'll have avoided being the subject of some juicy water cooler gossip. Now, that's what I call a win!
So, what are you waiting for? Go out there and be the best darn leader you can be. And remember: don't ask others to do what you wouldn't do yourself. It's a simple rule, but one that can make all the difference.
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