USA Today is running its annual series of articles profiling their All-USA Teacher Team. Nancy Karpyk is on the team this year. She teaches Kindergarten in Weirton WV – a town not too far from Ambridge, PA where I grew up.
I was struck by a quote from Ms. Karpyk. “You teach the behavior you want by what you do and what you don’t do. You set the tone.” With those 19 words, Ms. Karpyk has captured the essence of being a role model. If you’re a leader or small business owner, please read them again, and take them to heart.
Good leaders are role models. Their actions are always consistent with the message they want to send.
If you want to be a role model for the people you lead, focus on four things:
- How you spend your time. Spend time on what you say is important. If you say that managing costs is important, spend time on budgeting and financial reviews. If you say customer service is important, spend time reviewing customer complaints.
- Where you go. Getting out of your office is one of the best ways to become a role model. Go to places that enhance the message you send. If you want to encourage employee initiative, spend time with the people you lead – at their work space. To return to the previous example about customer service, visit customers at the place of business. Ask them how you can improve you products and services to better meet their needs.
- What you say. Pay attention to what you say – the people you lead do. If your words are positive, the people you lead will become more positive. If you are open and honest, the people you lead will be open and honest. Words are powerful, so choose them well. Think before you speak.
- How you deal with problems and crises. This may be you biggest test as a leader. In times of crisis, people tend to show their true colors. If you remain cool and calm, focus on solving the problem – not on assigning blame; the people you lead will do the same.
Today’s common sense point comes from a kindergarten teacher -- “You teach the behavior you want by what you do and what you don’t do. You set the tone.” Kind of reminds me of Robert Fulghum’s book that was popular several years ago – All I Need to Know, I Learned in Kindergarten.
That’s it for today. Thanks for reading. Log on to my website www.BudBilanich.com for more common sense. Check out my other blog: www.SuccessCommonSense.com for common sense advice on becoming the life and career star you are meant to be.
I’ll see you around the web, and at Alex’s Lemonade Stand.
Bud
PS: Speaking of Alex’s Lemonade Stand – my fundraising page is still open. Please go to www.FirstGiving.com/TheCommonSenseGuy to read Alex’s inspiring story and to donate if you can.
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Posted by: LeOgAhEr | June 01, 2007 at 11:08 AM