The Reality of Leadership: It’s Not as Easy as it Looks.
- lslonelyleader
- Jun 1
- 2 min read
Why you must now be a model citizen.
You would think that once you become the boss, life at work might get a little easier for you – NOT. In fact, it’s just the opposite, at least in my experience.
Come in a minute late? Take an extra five minutes at lunch? You had better believe they’ll notice. Taking personal calls all day long is okay for the inhabitants of the office next door, but don’t you do it – you’ll be the talk of the office.
I find myself coming in early and staying at least a half-hour late almost every day. Not because I have so much to do and can’t fit it into my day (although that is often true), but because everything you do or say will be scrutinized when you are the leader. On the days I do think I’m on the verge of being a slacker and walk in at 7:55 am, that’s still about ten minutes before most of the staff begin to saunter in.
Personal calls? You may as well forget it. Even though most of the staff never let their phones out of sight, disrupt the office hum with loud obnoxious ring tones, and chat annoyingly with their grown children on speaker all day long, I feel pangs of guilt for every text message I glance at, even if they’re work related.
What you must do as the ultimate role model:
-Follow the dress code to a T: Is that sandal technically a flip-flop?
-Don’t you dare show a tattoo: Tattoos can still be taboo in many professional environments.
-Volunteer for events and extracurricular activities: They will be watching.
-No social media comments during work hours: Stay professional online.
Things you must not do – No matter what:
-Make a mistake: That’s frowned upon.
-Participate in office gossip: You wouldn’t dare.
-Encourage healthy behaviors: Are you calling them fat? Keep it to yourself!
The Bottom Line
Jobs don’t get any easier when you get to the top. They get more difficult. But you asked for it. Along with greater responsibility and scrutiny also come many rewards, including higher wages, more vacation time, the ability to make decisions on your own, and a sense of accomplishment. All of this makes the ultimate role model requirement worthwhile.
Transitioning into a leadership role involves significant challenges and heightened scrutiny. However, the personal and professional rewards make it a journey worth undertaking. Embrace the responsibilities, set the standard for others to follow, and enjoy the unique opportunities that leadership provides.
Let’s talk about it!
