Last week I attended a national counselors conference had the distinct pleasure of contributing to the leadership training program for state chapter presidents. Our part was to give them something to take back and implement, so we discussed the importance of setting a direction, making a plan and structuring a procedure to execute and hold accountable. At the end of the session, everyone completed a plan and committed to the first step. Hopefully they will follow through.

These same points are important for you as well. However, while they are essential, what’s really important is the perception people have of your leadership. It’s not enough anymore to simply be assigned the position of leader and then expect everyone to rally around you. You have to exhibit something other than just being more senior. If you want your people to think favorably of you and your leadership, you have to work on it.

Over the years, I’ve heard lots of comments from people about their leaders; some good and some not so good. Here are some of the positive comments I’ve heard:

Whenever she’s around, I feel like everything will be ok. She has a calming effect and everyone feels a sense that everything will work out well.

He’s the only reason I stuck around. I really believe in him. I was ready to leave until he pulled me aside and talked about my future here.

When he says something, I feel like I can trust him. I don’t really listen to the other partners, but him I believe.

If you could script what you’d like to hear, what would it be? Whatever it is, make a conscious effort to do the things that will lead people to perceive you that way. They are saying something already. Is it what you want?