Leading in a Glass House
From your seat, what is it that only you can do?
I remember many, many years ago sitting in the office of the CEO of the company where I worked - someone I respected and trusted - and said off-handedly, "Do you know that I agonized on what suit to wear today for this meeting?" He laughed, but I continued. I told him that it was an important reminder that people viewed him differently, and reacted to him differently, as the CEO.
We were talking about him championing some work we were doing with leaders, and I shifted our conversation to emphasize how his buy-in and words around this work would truly transform the outcome. I shared that only he could back this in such a way that leaders would change their priorities to put this into their schedules. I suggested that only he could help people see how this work was connected to one of the strategic goals that he cared so deeply about and had shared with these leaders many times before. I was excited to see that he aligned with my thinking and was ready to share this message with leaders.
This story reminds me that we need to remember as leaders that people are always watching us and considering how we phrase things when we are sharing an update or an important message. Early on in my career, people would say that leaders had to live in glass houses. At the time I thought this sounded terrible, that people would be waiting for me to make a mistake and that everyone would know when I couldn't figure something out. Now, I see this glass house as an awesome responsibility - one that I cannot take lightly - but also that I should feel honored to be in a place where others want to know how I respond and what I think about their circumstances.
So, when everyone is watching, what should you do?
Be intentional about what you are doing as these choices are sending a message.
Ask yourself "What are the things that only I can do?" for a project, communication strategy, key decision, etc. to use this accountability to drive positive outcomes.
Share openly why you make the decisions you make so people can understand your actions and guess less at how to align with your vision.
Be authentic. People will trust you more if they see you wrestling with a decision, asking for help, or sharing what you've learned from a mistake.
When people are watching, you have the opportunity to influence, teach, and leave a legacy - don't pass up a chance to do what only you can do.