Recently I met with some amazing leaders, many who are new to the direct selling profession.  They were looking for practical advice on role modeling good behaviors.  I put together a list that may help you, and I would love to hear from you.  Please continue the discussion by commenting on the blog post.

When you model behavior, you begin to create a culture of leadership that is caught, not taught.  Here are some I learned by watching leaders in my company.

  1. Dress for success.  Your team looks to you to set the pace in your appearance as well as your business behavior.  I was once told, “You can never be overdressed in a group.  On the other hand, if your clients are better dressed than you, you not sending the right message.”
  2. Applaud freely.  You may be the first to applaud when a point is made, a presentation is complete, or someone is being recognized, but don’t worry.  Applause changes the energy in a room.
  3. Stand for dignitaries.  When your company leaders are introduced, give them a standing ovation.  It is a sign of respect as well as an indication to new people in the audience that these are important people in their business.
  4. Write notes to speakers.  This is something I learned early on.  When you hear a speaker who teaches you something, take time to write the speaker a note right then.  Speakers appreciate the immediate feedback.  Make the note short, sincere, and specific.
  5. Avoid controversy.  In general, keep your remarks about politics, religion, and any other controversial issues to yourself.
  6. Be early for meetings, calls, and webinars.  This is especially true if you are leading any of these events.  Even if you are not in charge, being early gives you the opportunity to praise others for a good week, set a positive tone for the event, and welcome new people.
  7. Inspire the group, correct individuals.  I can’t think of anyone who wants to be called out in front of others.  Make positive comments to a group and save constructive criticism for a private conversation.
  8. Seek to serve.  Even if you aren’t in charge, find out how you can help at any meeting.  You may be told no but the offer is always appreciated.
  9. Take the best and leave the rest.  You can always learn something in every setting, even if it is how you would not handle a situation.  Go into every meeting, call, and conference with an intentional learning objective.
  10. Turn your complaints into requests.  Think about how you can turn a complaint, “It’s hot in here,” into a request, “Is there a way to change the temperature of the room?”  People will see you as solution oriented instead of a complainer.

For many readers these are tried and true points of etiquette.  When we are conscious of them, apply them, and module them our teams often follow our lead.  You may have thought of others.  Please comment and add them to the list!