A blog post at on Looking and Acting Like a Success at Alan Weis’s Contrarian Consulting site triggered some thoughts on what it means to look and act like a leader.  While Alan’s post emphasizes how a successful person might act to present a desired image, how does a leader portray himself or herself as competent?  If this seems superficial to some, I would challenge that a leader is responsible for acting (and to an extent looking) the part. 

Individuals in leadership roles are constantly observed and judged by those around them, so a leader’s words, actions, demeanor, countenance, responses, posture and appearance all combine to create an image of the individual. What do these behaviors and actions (styles) tell you about the leader?

-Loud, boisterous, must be the center of the attention, walks into a room with a "I’m here" swagger.  A jerk…maybe, a bit full of himself definitely.

-Quick to assert authority, cuts people off in mid-sentence, doesn’t tolerate disagreement and prone to delivering verbal lashings in public.  Definitely a jerk,  clearly presents power through an authoritarian style, likely feared more than respected.

-Quick with the smile and handshake, knows your name,  always in motion, doesn’t sit still, hard to find quality time to engage.  Likable, portrays perception of being busy, generates some frustration by not being accessible. 

-Listens well, thoughtful, accessible, quietly confident most of the time, capable of clearly articulating perspectives, seeks input from others, firm, fair and private with discipline, dispenses praise carefully but confidently.  Likely an individual that is widely respected and appreciated.  Creates a positive persona and reinforces it. 

The list could go on and on.  Think of some of the leaders you’ve encountered in your career and how their presentation and behaviors swayed your perception of them. 

What about you?  How are you perceived by your team?  How do you present and conduct yourself and what impression has it created about you as a leader?  If you haven’t thought about this, you probably should.

The bottom-line:

Rich Petro and I spend a lot of time in our book, Practical Lessons in Leadership, identifying the traits, behaviors and actions of effective and ineffective leaders.  The most effective leaders work hard every minute of every day to strengthen their credibility and as a result their persona, by matching their words with actions, treating people with respect, taking the time to listen and asserting only when it’s necessary.  These leaders view themselves as teachers and mentors more than generals, and they are better for it.  Is it time for you to focus on polishing your style and approach to better match the image that you would like to portray?  It might be time well spent.