Some business leaders ask: “Why should I reach the workplace at the same time when everyone else in my organization is supposed to reach? After all, I am their leader.”
My response is: “That’s precisely why you should be the first to reach the workplace. BECAUSE you are their leader.”
If we expect that everyone in our workplace should come on time, that rule applies to us equally. If we exempt ourselves from the timing and other operating rules, we set a bad example among our employees. It signals our double standards with respect to discipline. It weakens our image and effectiveness as a leader. It also affects our culture adversely. I have seen numerous examples of indiscipline issues in organizations where the business leader arrives late daily. The culture there is less than admirable.
On the contrary, if the leader arrives at the workplace at the standard office time or before, it motivates the employees to come in time. It helps set up a positive, committed and responsible work culture.
Doing things on time is a personal character attribute. If we cannot reach on time, it weakens our image everywhere.
Leadership is not a privilege to reach late.
It is a responsibility to be on time and set an example.
That is walking the talk.