Leadership Tip: Assess Your "Walk the Talk"

How often do you take the time to assess whether or not you are really "walking the talk"?  Sure, we all say we do, we want to believe we can, and for as many times as we truly are walking the talk there are probably just as many times when we wish we could have a "do over" .  While the saying "actions speak louder than words" may be horribly over used, it is crucially important to remember if you lead people at any level.  Take a minute to check in with yourself on each statement below.  Respond in a 1(disagree) to 5 (strongly agree) scale.  If you find a statement to be completely irrelevant to your situation consider altering it with a statement that makes more sense for you.

Score    Statement

_____   1.  I am passionate about the work I do and the employees and customers I serve.

_____   2.  I hire the most qualified people who share my passion for the business.

_____   3.  I foster an environment that allows people to contribute.

_____  4.  I regularly communicate with my direct reports.

_____  5.  I walk around and see what's going on first hand at least twice a week.

_____  6.  I treat everyone respectfully.

_____  7.  I provide encouragement and positive feedback on a regular basis.

_____  8.  I use constructive criticism in productive and effective ways.

_____  9.  I keep to my appointments so people are not waiting on me.

_____ 10. I always keep my word.

_____ 11. I uphold the policies of the organization.

_____ 12. My values align with those of the organization.

_____ 13.  I do what I can to eliminate finger-pointing and back-stabbing.

_____ 14.  I can find something good in every situation.

_____ 15.  I share the profit of the organization with our employees.

_____ 16. I personally keep in touch with the top 20% of our clients on a regular basis.

_____ 17. I remain calm at work even when I feel like yelling.

_____ 18. I hold people accountable for their responsibilities.

_____ 19. I look for ways to improve the business.

_____ 20. I share the vision of the company with all of my direct and indirect reports on a regular basis.

_______ TOTAL (As you move toward 100 points you are walking the talk)

How did you do?  Don't answer that question.  Whether you scored high, low, or somewhere in between there are two important things to keep in mind.  First, understand that you should hold no judgment on this.  Wherever you are at today is good.  Second, know that you can always ask yourself, What's next?,  and eventually grow beyond a 100 point assessment.