December 3, 2018
You’re aware that employees listen to what you say, but you might not realize that they are also paying close attention to what you are doing. The truth is that when it comes to employee engagement, you have to keep in mind that body language speaks, and often louder than words. And there’s no better way to think about how others are seeing you than to visualize a mirror that is in front of you all the time. Reflect on what others are seeing and reading every time they interact with you, and develop the awareness not only to act the role of the leader you want to be, but to role model the actions and characteristics that you would like to see in others.
Role Modeling 101
- Do you want to send a message that you’re open and available to your team? Walk the floors or halls of your company, keep your office door open, or join your team members for lunch or during a break.
- Want your team to know you’re listening? Repeat or paraphrase what they tell you so they know you not only heard them but are processing/thinking about what they’ve said.
- Want your team to know you care about them?
Ask them how they’re doing or what’s on their mind. And if they offer an idea on something that could be improved, take action on their idea. - Want employees to follow certain procedures? Use the same procedures yourself, and explain why you’re using them and how they help.
What might be revealed to you as you reflect on how others see you in your interactions?
—David Grossman
This free eBook—Respectful Authenticity: Bringing Your Best to Work and Bringing Out the Best in Others—is written for leaders who wish to bring more of who they truly are to the workplace. Click below to download today! 
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Leadership
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