Consider a person who says one thing but does another. How does that affect your trust in them? Most of us would think less of someone who preaches one thing but acts differently. We can all recall high-profile examples of people caught trying to cover up their duplicity.
How often have we believed in someone’s promises, only to be disappointed when their actions reveal a different truth? We often label such individuals as “hypocrites.” But before judging, consider this: have you ever made a promise you couldn’t keep? Have you ever been guilty of duplicity yourself? Whether caught or not, you know when you’ve fallen short. It’s a reminder to reflect on where you are, where you want to be, and how your actions align with your words.
People are watching, especially if you’re in a leadership role. One of my mentors at Hughes Aircraft, Bob Gumber, once told me, “Everyone serves as an example to others. You can choose to be a good example or a bad one.” Bob, who had worked at Hughes for 35 years and knew Howard Hughes personally, was unflappable. I met him at 24, as the youngest and greenest manufacturing engineer in the circuit card assembly department. Bob gave me the gift of feedback—praising me in public, critiquing me in private. He was demanding, yet never angry, always offering constructive guidance.
Bob taught me that none of us are perfect. He shared his triumphs, struggles, thoughts, and beliefs. He reminded me that my only limits were self-imposed, and he supported me through my mistakes. That’s the power of example. We all remember who stands by us when things go wrong. As Authentic Leaders, we must recognize this simple truth and act accordingly.
All my best,
Randy