"Walk It Like I Talk It" Leadership

Have you ever tried to implement organizational change, but something doesn't smell right? You’ve created and implemented the perfect strategy—visuals, slogans, training—but nothing improves. If that’s the case, it’s time for a smell check—on yourself.

“The fish rots from the head down” is a well-known metaphor illustrating how poor leadership leads to organizational decay. As Peter Drucker, the father of modern management, reminds us: “Only three things happen naturally in organizations: friction, confusion, and underperformance. Everything else requires leadership.”

Thriving organizational cultures don’t happen by accident—they are shaped by the actions of those at the top. Leadership defines the system. What you focus on, reward, and embody sets the tone for your organization. As the renowned statistician and quality management expert W. Edwards Deming said: “Every system is perfectly designed to get the results it gets.” If your organization is struggling, it’s not by chance—it’s by design. And if you’re part of that system, know that you’re also part of the problem.

But the good news? You’re also part of the solution. Change starts with you. Michael Jackson sang for us to remember: “If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself, then make that change!”

True leadership isn’t about words—it’s about action and modeling the behaviors you expect from others. If you want accountability, be accountable. If you value innovation, embrace risk. If you seek transparency, be vulnerable and communicate openly. Your deeds will always speak louder than your words. People will follow what you do, not what you say.

To ensure your leadership drives real transformation, start by checking for alignment—do your actions reflect the values you preach? If not, course-correct! Model the change you want to see, especially when it’s hard. When you feel the most uncomfortable or stressed, these are usually the magical moments to role model the change, which become the new "stories" to shape the desired culture. Finally, ask for candid feedback. Be open to learning how your leadership is perceived. Listen, reflect, and adjust.

If something doesn’t smell right, don’t look outward—start with the person in the mirror. Because great leaders don’t just talk about change, they walk it.

What’s one action you can take today to ensure your leadership walks the talk?

© Nuri Dimler 2025