How Your Behaviors Influence Others

Did you ever notice that in your workplace, family or circle of friends, members will take on the habits of those in a leadership role? It manifests itself in the members’ actions, in how they talk, what they say, and maybe even in their physical mannerisms. It is an interesting social study and one you should be keenly aware of as a leader.

 “Behavior is what a man does, not what he thinks, feels or believes.”

 ~ Emily Dickinson

See, here’s the thing. People might just start changing their behavior because you changed yours. Your employees and team members look to you to gauge the pulse and mood of the organization. They watch and analyze your actions in order to determine the attitude and behaviors that feel most appropriate and aligned with you. Most of the time their goal is to reflect your actions and behaviors within their own to support you and ensure alignment.

Isn’t that amazing? Folks choose their behaviors based on what they observe their leader doing or saying (or not saying). No doubt it’s a lot of pressure. They aren’t the paparazzi, but your employees and team members are watching you.

As a leader, you most certainly want folks aligned with you and reflecting your energy and passion and commitment, don’t you? I think you do. I know I sure did in my days as a corporate leader.

If you each take responsibility in shifting your own behaviors, you can trigger the type of changes in your folks that will enable your team and your organization to achieve amazing results. Everyone will be pulling in the same direction. And you will be building trust within in your team.

Look around you – it is present every day. Children of hard working parents often are hard workers. Employees of leaders who are generally negative take on a negative persona themselves. If you were to yell at someone today … betcha $10 you will get a less than pleasant response. See how this works? Your attitudes and actions are reflected in others.

Attitude invokes behaviors that are in alignment with that attitude. Plain and simple. Be the behavioral compass in your organization that will make a difference. Choose the high road when confronted with an irate person. Show up on Saturday when the employees are working overtime. Arrive to meetings on time and start them on time. Follow through on all of your commitments. And, let people know – from you personally – when they are exhibiting the behaviors that make a difference.

Look in the behavioral mirror today and absorb what you see. What do you notice about your attitudes and/or behaviors that may be affecting your team members in an undesirable way? What should you be changing in yourself so that others can dare to be amazing?

Commit to just one change today and see how it works for you. I look forward to hearing about your outcomes.

Your life (and your business) becomes amazing when you do. And your life is happening right here, right now. Make it amazing – I dare ya!