Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
So what are you saying?
Hello YOU,
How do I find you this Good Friday? Me? Looking forward to the long weekend!
In this week’s newsletter we’re thinking about our actions, and what we’re REALLY saying through them.
Have you ever worked for someone who says ‘my door is always open’, but when you go to speak to them about something they’re not interested in listening? Or what about a person who tells you ‘I’ve got your back’, and yet when something goes wrong they throw you under the bus and leave you to take all the blame? If you haven’t then consider yourself lucky! These are not the line managers that you want to model your own leadership behaviour on.
As a new line manager it’s really important to understand that your actions hold some serious power in shaping the culture and success of your team. As an absolute minimum your actions and words need to align if you want to build the trust of your team. More often than not, though, it will be your actions that your team will remember and hold you to account for.
Lead with Integrity
Integrity is the cornerstone of effective leadership. Only make promises you can keep and make sure there is consistency between what you say and what you do. By leading with integrity, you build trust and credibility among your team members, establishing a foundation for a collaborative and high-performing team.
Don’t forget that as the line manager, your team looks up to you for guidance and inspiration. Demonstrate the behaviours and values you expect from your team members. Promote open communication, ensure you actively listen and encourage your team to share their ideas and concerns. By modelling the behaviour you expect, you create a culture where everyone feels empowered to contribute and perform their best.
Create a Supportive Environment
Actions have the power to shape the environment in which your team operates. Build a supportive and inclusive culture by showing empathy and providing opportunities for growth. Take time to understand the challenges your team members face and offer guidance and resources to help them succeed. By creating a safe and nurturing environment, you empower your team to thrive and reach their full potential.
Celebrate success openly and give credit where it’s due. By publicly acknowledging and appreciating the contributions of your team members, you can help to create a sense of pride and motivate your team to continue delivering excellence. Your actions in recognising effort speak volumes about your commitment to supporting and valuing your team.
Your actions as a line manager have a direct impact on team morale, performance, and organisational culture, and you have a fantastic opportunity to make a difference through consistent and aligned action. Embrace it, and watch how your team goes from strength to strength.