Being A Model

Being A Model

"Successful Management!"
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So what's all this about Being a Model then. Well, you know, your people will only behave in your business the way they think you'll want them to behave - and they'll often replicate what they see in you.

But wait, there's more...they will change their behaviours and actions to reflect the way you are. That's a big responsibility you carry. And it can work very much in your favour - because you can lead them to better performance!

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader."

John Quincy Adams

"Leadership is a matter of having people look at you and gain confidence, seeing how you react. If you're in control, they're in control."

Tom Landry

No wonder yours is such a powerful and wonderful role to have in your business. You can facilitate the changes in your people, that will enable them to become the very best, by showing them the way. What a gift you are making to them!

Top Ten Things About Being a Model

For many this is such a natural activity that they don't even know they do it. But these people have followers. And followers of the very best of management and leadership behaviours are motivated. So, what is it about them?

The best at Being a Model...

Are Natural
By being themselves, they show their true light, without trying. It comes to them without effort.
Communicate Well
They make it a priority to get their messages across, with clarity, to all their people. In conversation they use their listening skills well, with an inquisitive style which shows interest.
Relate to People
And they build rapport very easily, which enables them to share their wisdom and style. They are noticeable in a very subtle way. People miss them!
Laugh!
As part of their natural ability to fit in well, the best at Being a Model are able to pitch humour at just the right level. Often accepting a little self-deprecation too, they create a comfortable aura of fun around them ;-)
Have Charisma
Although it is hard to define, those who find Being a Model easy, have charisma which, backed by the right level of business skills, is a powerful combination.
Admit Failure
Though they truly aren't often wrong, when they are, they show complete accountability, hold their hands up and admit it honestly and openly. By showing that they have faults, they give others permission to be imperfect too. They say 'Sorry' when appropriate.
Energise!
Their enthusiasm energises others. Because of their passion for business and life in general, they shout about it! This is very infectious and develops in others too.
Are Generous
They are focused on making time for others, for whatever reason. They realise and show the importance of others to them personally and to the business.
Seek Help
When they need help, they ask for it. By seeking support from others openly, they build a closeness that is vital for team development - and this encourages others to do the same.
Don't Over-Model!
They don't try too hard at this. Being a Model is all about a naturalness that is easy. This is not about being false.

Ten Ways to be Better at Being a Model

Ask Others
Finding out what others think of you is a creative way, if challenging, to see what others see. Take time to ask things like, 'What value do you receive when you work with me?' You may be surprised at the results.
Take Feedback
By being open with others, show you are a willing partner in learning more. Start with yourself and be prepared to lead from the front in accepting and learning from Feedback.
Relate Well
Get to know people. Be open to conversation and listen more than you talk. Meanwhile, ask about things that interest them.
Make Time
For Being a Model you have to make space to show others who you are. So create time to spend with others, for whatever they need. For whatever you need.
Be Less than Perfect
By showing that you get things wrong, your performance falls short sometimes and that you are darned well less that Mr (or Ms) perfect, you will endear yourself greatly. And it will be OK for others to be the same. And that is good.
Have Fun
If your are less serious, you will break into a different level of appreciation and understanding. So share a laugh, get involved more casually and shake off just focusing on business.
Share
When you've been successful, tell others. Encourage them to do the same too. This works when things have gone wrong too. Learn from succes and mistakes.
Be Human
By showing yourself as a bit sensitive to knocks, you will be able to buy into others emotions too. Show yourself as needy sometimes - share your fears, hopes, concerns and worries. It's OK!
Coach!
Using a coaching style helps everyone. And by Being a Model in this respect, you will be able to encourage the use of it much more in your business.
Be Courteous
By showing respect and common courtesy for people, you will encourage that culture in your business and with others around you. The lead comes from you.

5 Simple Actions You Can Take Today!

Act naturally and be yourself more. Being false is hard work and very transparent. People want you for who you are and by showing that, you will encourage others to do the same.
Ask for help or advice at least three times a day. This shows that you are still learning, still valuing others. "I need your help..." works well.
Admit that you are wrong - stop making excuses for things that don't go to plan. Accept it, share it with your people and learn from the experience.
Create time for yourself. On a business project; for a school play; for a long weekend. Let people see how best to live their lives by the example you show.
Today, show empathy to someone who is having a bad day. Offer help; be generous; make the time.

Read some great books, like :-

"Practice What You Preach!: What Managers Must Do to Create a High-achievement Culture"

- David Maister

"Gung Ho!: Turn on the People in Any Organization"

- Ken Blanchard & Spencer Johnson

"Zapp! The Lightning of Empowerment"

- Byham & Cox