Rule #12: Like It or Not, Leaders Are Role Models

“I’m not a role model.”
—Charles Barkley, famously.

But in 2025? That argument just doesn’t hold up.

Whether you’re leading a team of three or an enterprise of thousands, people are watching. Closely. Constantly. And not just during meetings or performance reviews. In our hyper-connected, always-on world, leadership isn’t something you do. It’s something you live.

You’re Always on the Big Stage

You're not just setting the tone in the boardroom anymore. In 2025, leadership visibility extends far beyond the office walls—think Slack channels, LinkedIn posts, digital calendars, and even which coffee mug you walk in with.

Here’s what people are noticing:

• When you arrive (and when you ghost early)

• How you treat the intern vs. the exec

• What you wear to Monday stand-ups

• What you order at lunch (yes, really)

• Who’s in your social orbit

• Whether you respond to that late-night email

• How you react when someone disagrees with you

• If your walk matches your talk

Every move sends a signal. And those signals? They ripple. Your team will mimic what you model—whether you intend it or not.

The persona of your organization will slowly shape itself to mirror you.

That’s the essence of Rule #12:
Every action a leader takes—in or out of work—shapes the team.

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The Real Weight of Influence

This rule has some serious implications. Leadership isn't just about results—it's about responsibility. It’s not just about hitting KPIs; it’s about living the values you expect others to follow.

We are biologically wired to model our behavior on people we perceive as leaders. That makes you the blueprint. The micro-decisions you make—eye contact, tone of voice, the grace you give under pressure—are all shaping the culture around you.

So here’s Corollary 12.1:

Consider each of your actions carefully. The ripple effects are bigger than you think.

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A Lesson I Learned the Hard Way

I’ll never forget my first day as a facility manager.

Before I officially started, my manager Mary gave me some parting wisdom:

Mary: “Curt, just remember—everyone will be watching you now.”
Me: “Yeah, I get it. This is a big role.”
Mary: “No, Curt. You don’t get it. Everything you do will be noticed. Be careful what you do—and what you don’t do.”

I thought I understood. I didn’t.

Two weeks in, I started hearing things:

• “Hey, nice car—did you just get that?”

• “You parked in the visitor lot yesterday?”

• “You skipped second shift’s huddle?”

• “You joked about that policy change during the ops meeting—what did that mean?”

Suddenly, I realized: leadership isn’t private. It’s public. Every decision is amplified. Every habit contagious.

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ACTION ITEM 12: Play Back Your Day

Tonight, take five quiet minutes and replay yesterday like a film:

• What time did you show up?

• How did you greet people?

• Where did you sit in the meeting—and why?

• How did you respond to conflict?

• What language did you use in your emails?

• What did you choose for lunch?

• Who did you not talk to?

• What did you learn?

• Did you make time to reflect—or just react?

Now ask yourself:

If your team lived exactly the way you did yesterday, would that be a win?

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In 2025, authenticity and accountability are non-negotiable. People don’t just want a leader—they want someone worth following. And whether you like it or not, they’re watching. So lead with intention.

Your example is your most powerful leadership tool.