What are some people – who are supposed to be leaders in their organizations – thinking? Last week, I learned a senior manager at a large community-oriented organization had just resigned. He resigned before he was terminated. Why? He had been posting non-too subtle statements on Facebook about the size of his _____ ah, his ______ well you know. Excuse me? Doesn’t he realize his “friends” on Facebook would see that? And his “friends” most certainly would include employees, clients, board members, his management peers, and members of the community? What was he thinking? Was he thinking?
Today, I learned from a client one of his managers, as part of her explanation to her office staff who a particular client was, said, “He’ll be sending work our way. But all of his clients are real idiots.” What was she thinking? Was she thinking?
Don’t these ‘leaders’ understand others look to them to be role models? Don’t they understand others pay attention to what they do and say 24/7? I don’t think they do. Or if they do, they need to be reminded swiftly what true leadership is. They’re not leading. They’re destroying reputations.
The reality is, if you’re in a leadership position, you represent that organization 24/7. What you say and do on the job and off is a reflection of you and it’s a reflection of the organization. So if you’re making inappropriate comments in your “private” life — Stop. If you’re demeaning a client and jading the opinions of staff towards that client — Stop. Stop behaving stupidly. Start behaving as a leader should. Start thinking about leadership.
Copyright MMX – Liz Weber, CMC, CSP – Weber Business Services, LLC – www.WBSLLC.com +1.717.597.8890
Liz supports clients with strategic and succession planning, as well as leadership training and executive coaching. Learn more about Liz on LinkedIn!
