Practice What You Preach

• Are the person’s actions coherent with their words?

 

Definition:  Practice what you preach means acting consistently with and role modeling the company Principles and Values, including “Walking the talk” even when it is difficult to do so

CONTEXT:

This behavior is developed in organizations where:

-      Top management role models the desired behavior

-      There is not too much pressure on short-term results

On the contrary this competence will not be developed in organizations which:

-      Allow exceptions to rules from key contributors

-      Do not take sanction against “offenders”

Level	Standard	Developed	Highly developed
Summary	Respects and applies the oranisation’s values	Behaves consistently with values and management principles	Acts on values when it is difficult to do so
Behavioral Indicators	Aligns own objectives and behavior with the organizational objectives, values and aspirations, demonstrating an awareness of them Deals with people in an honest and forthright manner Demonstrates transparency (ie represents information and data accurately and completely) Does not divulge confidential information Takes pride in being trustworthy	Makes use of Company’s resources and facilities within the limits established by policy or business practices Ensures that words and actions are consistent (walks the talk) Behaves in a way that has a positive impact on the morale of team or peers Ensures consistency between promotion and achievements/behaviors Sets a good example by personally modeling desired behavior Communicates and promotes the companies organisational objectives, values and aspirations, highlighting relevant information to others	Models the companies leadership principles and values, including ethical and socially responsible behaviors, as an example to others Challenges powerful persons to act on espoused values Publicly admits having made a mistake Does not hesitate to sanction or fire a strong contributor who displays unethical practices Acts as an ambassador of the business in all external dealings, taking ownership for developing the reputation of the organization Demonstrates the company values when dealing with external contacts, accurately conveying them without needing to express them

Behaviors which are not representative include*

Not respecting business rules Showing irrespect for peers and subordinates “Preaching” but not acting Manipulating information or people