Set the right tone...

While rarely written or talked about, leadership professionals face this conundrum nearly every day: work or play, strict or fair, happy or dour, demanding or inspiring. Fact is, they’re called upon to be each throughout any day. Their actions should make employees satisfied they came to work and inspired to do their best; they are responsible for the culture of their workplace – setting it, supporting it, maintaining it, and living it. That culture is impacted by the way they approach their day – with a balance of getting work done and making work fun. Don’t overlook the impact you have on the work you lead, nor underestimate how much your employees are affected by your style and vibes. Here’s where I usually list the kinds of things that you should be doing – like communicating clearly, actively listening, being aware, and catching people doing things right, but suspect you know the drill. Or at least you should. Setting the right tone is a big responsibility, one that all effective leaders should take seriously. Be ready to set the right tone today.

 

Elwyn Brooks “E. B.” White (#3 of 4): In 1959, White edited and updated The Elements of Style. This handbook of grammatical and stylistic guidance for writers of American English as first written and published in 1918 by William Strunk Jr., one of White's professors at Cornell.