As clear and simple as that statement is, I’ve seen hundreds of otherwise successful leaders behave as though it doesn’t apply. If you want to quickly kill your company’s culture, consider making that mistake yourself.
Here are a few ways I’ve seen others do it.
The leaders of a company running on EOS® work their tails off to create a clear, simple Vision and Plan (using the V/TO™). They clarify everyone's roles and responsibilities (using the Accountability Chart), and crystallize everyone’s quarterly and weekly priorities (using Rocks, To Dos, and a weekly Scorecard). Once that’s done, leaders should repeat themselves often to get the company’s vision “shared by all,” and to drive accountability for hitting numbers and completing priorities.
No matter how well or how often these messages are repeated, however, what people SEE is more important than what they HEAR. Leaders who say one thing and do another erode the trust and confidence others place in them.
So, if you’re having trouble getting your team on-board, stop to make sure you’re actions are 100% consistent with the company’s Core Values, and that you’re following company standards and rules. In other words, lead by example and be willing to walk the talk.