The Importance of Consistency Between Words and Actions in True Leadership
In recent times, we have witnessed instances where corporate executives’ public behavior contradicts their company’s values. For example, Andy Byron, former CEO of Astronomer, was captured on camera during a Coldplay concert hugging the HR director via the “kiss cam.” Similarly, Piotr Szczerek, CEO of Drogbruk, took a hat from a child at the US Open that tenis player Kamil Majchrzak had given him, causing dissatisfaction among platform users.
Impact on Company Credibility
According to Rogelio Salcedo, a partner at Racana Executive Consultants, such actions damage a company’s credibility by reflecting inconsistency between the organization’s values and daily practices.
Salcedo emphasizes that all companies should have clear organizational values, and leaders must implement and embody these values both within and outside the company.
It is the leader’s responsibility to ensure these codes are upheld, fostering openness, transparency, and living the values in practice, not just on paper.
Lack of Ethical Codes and Low Employee Trust
In reality, half of the companies lack an ethical code, and Global Leadership Forecast by DDI data shows that only 29% of employees trust their managers, indicating a disconnect between leaders and employees.
“Leaders are judged by their actions, not words. If they do otherwise, credibility is lost, undermining their leadership.”
CEOs Must Be Consistent
Executives agree that leaders must be consistent, both inside and outside the company. Luis Campos, founder of Betterware, states that without consistency, “how can I ask for honesty if I’m not honest? How can I demand respect if I don’t show it?”
Campos explains that goals cannot be achieved through dishonest means. “If you cheat at golf, you’ll likely cheat in business too. In life, you can’t be different; you must be consistent wherever you are.”
Guilherme Loureiro, CEO regional of Walmart, echoes this sentiment: “You can’t be one person at work and another outside. As a CEO, I represent a large group of people, and clients expect certain behavior from me at all times.”
Loureiro emphasizes that a CEO’s role cannot be separated from their personal identity. “You embody the company’s culture daily, whether you’re at work or not. Your beliefs should guide your actions, as having separate beliefs for work and home can’t be sustained.”
Key Questions and Answers
- What happens when leaders’ actions contradict their words? Credibility is lost, undermining their leadership.
- Why are clear company values important? They guide leaders’ actions, ensuring consistency between words and deeds.
- How do CEOs represent their companies beyond the office? By embodying company culture and values in all aspects of their lives, both at work and outside it.
- What is the impact of low employee trust in managers? It indicates a disconnect between leaders and employees, potentially harming overall organizational performance.
