Logistics Leaders, Remember: Everyone is Watching

One of the most important things to understand is that logistics leaders, and all leaders, are role models. Everyone is always watching what you do and how you handle things. Associates, peers, subordinates, and superiors feed off of this. You constantly set an example. This can be both good and bad.

Your associates will mirror your leadership style. They will repeat your phrases, how you speak, how you write, and even how you dress. This is why you must always be aware that you are a rolemodel. You are an important influence on the people that surround you in the workplace.

Everything that you discuss or do speaks loudly as to what type of person you really are. If it is important to you, it is important to them. The same is true for the opposite. If they see you walk by trash on the floor, don't expect them to take house-keeping seriously. If you don't address a safety issue that you witness, they will not buy into the importance of a safe work place. If you laugh at an off-color joke, if you gossip, use foul language, mock others, or scream and yell, you are letting everyone see exactly what you find acceptable in the work place.

As a logistics leader, you need to accept the responsibility that comes with the role. You must be aware of your actions. This includes verbal and non-verbal reactions. What you say and do is important at all times. Remember that one poor remark or action can damage your reputation.

A tip to help reinforce the importance of your role as a leader is to pretend that a video camera is always filming your every move. It is easier to do the "right thing" when everyone is watching. However, good logistics leaders do the "right thing" when no one is watching.

Understand that you develop and solidify your reputation every day with each interaction. It is vital to remember that while everything is going on, everyone is watching.