"Do as I say, not as I do."

When a manager's words are not in alignment with their actions, the trust of their team members is jeopardized. Misalignment is rarely intentional, yet it does occur often and will be very detrimental to an organization's performance.

Employees won't feel linked to a common purpose if there isn't alignment throughout the organization. In contrast, employees will devote more of their time, skills, and effort to achieving the organization's goals when there is alignment.

Tips to Align Your Words and Actions

Here are some ways to align your words and actions as a leader.

Keep Your Intuition in Mind

Intuition is an essential tool when it comes to maintaining harmony between our actions and words or values. Think of this as a gut feeling, when the manager assesses a conflict exists or senses something is off.

Intuition is informed by values and experiences - when a manager is clear about their values and can "trust their gut" the likelihood of alignment is high. When a manager tries to portray something they don't believe in...misalignment is more probable.

Self Reflection Also Helps

I've spent considerable time in this particular area - self-reflection. It is so important to me that clarifying Values and Identity is the very first part of my course "Prepare to Lead."

A part of my journey of self-reflection took me into the mountains of Colorado and to the fields of Indiana. I was in search of who I really am. To discover that, I had to face some very big truths and shed light onto the parts of me hidden in the shadows.

Be clear on your top four values first, and then learn to recognize when your values are in or out of alignment. Leaders must consistently set aside time for personal reflection to identify their areas of alignment and make the necessary adjustments.

Think about the Present Moment

Leaders will benefit from improving their ability to reflect in the present. The best leaders will develop a sensitivity for the times when their values and conduct are not aligned. The leader can pause, reflect, and select an alternate response that is more closely aligned with their beliefs by becoming self-aware in the moment.

Hold Yourself Accountable

Teams and managers can hold one another accountable but the best way is to be accountable on your own. showing up, owning everything that is yours to own is difficult. I struggle with this daily. And yet, it is the best way for me to engage in a relationship confidently and securely. When I am accountable, I know I have nothing to hide.

Do you provide an example for others that you would like them to follow? Consider tactics when values aren't aligned, communicate, and demonstrate how to live each value.

Ask the group to conduct a values check once choices are made to guarantee alignment. To ensure that core values are at the forefront, regularly review critical actions as a team. 

Identify Your Core Values

Make sure you know your fundamental values; if you still need to, there are various ways to articulate them. As a manager, do I demonstrate these values in what ways? 

Here is a FREE tool to discover your Values and Identity as a leader.

When you know your values, you can feel when you are acting out of alignment with them. This is the beauty of working from your values - it is now up to you to decide how you will realign yourself.

Monitor your words and actions. Check for Alignment by getting feedback from your employees and do the work you need to do to stay aligned.

Summing Up

You must have also experienced following someone whose words and actions were not aligned. You probably didn't find their mentorship or guidance credible anymore.

If the same happens with you; if you say something and do something else, your employees or followers will notice.

Make sure you do what you say and say what you do.