The CEO Who Emptied the Dishwasher: Leadership is Caught, Not Taught
"Leadership is action, not position." ~ Donald H. McGannon
Do What I Say, Not What I do!
Have you ever been told, "Do what you are told", "Because I said so", “Do what I say and not what I do?” These phrases, often uttered in moments of exhaustion, can evoke a traumatic response. Whether in parenting, the workplace, or sports, it's far more compelling to follow leaders who embody the principles they preach. So, why do we default to telling?
Consider this profound insight from Ed Mylett's podcast,"Things are more often caught and not taught." This simple truth emphasizes the power of actions over words. In a world where words can lose their meaning, genuine leaders align their actions with their deeply held beliefs.
Think about the personal trainer who practices what they preach or the coach with relatable life experiences. We naturally seek alignment between lifestyle, actions, and values—a tangible proof of concept. Effective leaders live authentically, demonstrating their principles through daily actions.
Discovering the CEO Emptying the Dishwasher
Reflecting on my own career, a distinct memory stands out. After being promoted to a new gig in Toronto with a Fortune 500 company, I was super nervous on my first day so I arrived extra early. I walked into the kitchen to find the CEO emptying the dishwasher and brewing coffee. I quickly realized why he had widespread respect across all functions.
As parents, we invest endless effort in teaching our children, hoping our lessons will stick. However, more often than not, it's our daily actions that leave a lasting impact. Children observe and emulate, learning through the example we set. One day we see them help a stranger, nurture their sibling or grab the book over the TV. My kids didn’t always love to read, and now they do. They are exposed to reading a lot. My 4 year old daughter is now asking to go to the library because her 8 year old brother loves getting books. His passion for books was “caught” by his sister.
The concept of modeling behavior, as defined by the APA (American Psychological Association), extends beyond mere tasks to encompass emotional aspects. We must be mindful of whom we follow and the behaviors we model—whether in sports, global leadership, or our daily lives.
True leaders aren't followed out of obligation but because people genuinely want to follow them. Actions define character; words are just words. Show up authentically for yourself and others, embodying the change you want to see. Lead with action, and watch as others catch on to your standards.
Closing Thoughts
"People buy into the leader before they buy into the vision." ~ John C. Maxwell
Let your personal stories and actions speak volumes in leadership. Lead by example, and witness the profound impact it has on those around you. Things are caught, not taught.
