Many people can “talk the talk,” but the real challenge lies in “walking the talk.” Embrace the difficult path and witness the transformative results!
Recently, I conducted a workshop for a FMCG company. We spent an entire day discussing the why, how, and what of delegation. Delegation had emerged as a significant issue, as senior managers often interrupted meetings attended by Market Representatives (MRs) in front of Distributors. Our discussions emphasized the necessity for these senior managers to train their MRs, fostering their capability, independence, and self-motivation. Throughout the workshop, the Country Head participated, occasionally adding insights that reinforced our messages.
While his thought process was impressive, I couldn’t help but wonder why, if he understood what needed to be done, his team was not meeting its targets. I found the answer the following day.
On Day 2, we focused on analytical skills, specifically how to extract meaningful insights from the vast amounts of data at their disposal. An in-house expert was invited to share tools and techniques for data analysis. However, as soon as he began his presentation, the Country Manager interjected and effectively hijacked the session. In the next two hours, the expert managed to speak for only about 15 minutes, while the Country Manager dominated the discussion for a full hour and 45 minutes. It became clear why the senior managers struggled to delegate; they were mirroring the behavior of their own mentor, who also found it challenging to relinquish control.
People don’t do what you say. People do what you do. People don’t just follow your words; they emulate your actions. When you become a true role model, others won’t merely follow you; they’ll replicate your behavior, believing this is the path to success within the organization. We provided this feedback to the Country Head, and fortunately, he received it well and pledged to address the issue, demonstrating his leadership ability and not shying away from his vulnerability. He hadn’t realized the impact of his actions.
Sometimes, we may not fully grasp the consequences of our actions. Therefore, mentors and coaches play a crucial role in providing constructive feedback to help individuals recognize the need for change. “Walking the talk”—that is, aligning actions with words and demonstrating integrity during challenging situations—can significantly transform an organization’s culture. Have you encountered any experiences related to this concept of “walking the talk”?
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