Nov 06, 2025 Developing & Enhancing a Leadership Persona: Parts 2-5
Personal Habits, Communication, and the Example You Set
We’re back with Parts 2 through 5 of Developing & Enhancing a Leadership Persona, the latest series from The Bushey Perspective by Keith Bushey. In this section Keith continues his candid exploration of leadership fundamentals—this time focusing on the personal habits, communication skills, and daily demeanor that distinguish respected leaders from everyone else. His advice is straightforward and timeless: appearance matters, words carry weight, and composure under pressure is non-negotiable.
2. Personal Habits & Appearance
There is no such thing as a genuine leader who is sloppily dressed or who does not exercise good hygiene. The attire need not be expensive, but it needs to fit well, be generally stylish, and clean and pressed as appropriate. As time goes on, we cannot do much about wrinkles, extra chins, skin blotches, or gray hair, but we can tastefully maintain what we’ve got and demonstrate good grooming and hygiene. Be ever mindful that bad breath and body odors have a psychological stench that may never go away.
3. Verbalization
Don’t talk too much! A timeless quote is attributed to Abraham Lincoln, “It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.” There is absolutely a connotation that silence translates into wisdom, and the wise leader will be continually sensitive to that reality. Except for intended discussions, do not brainstorm verbally or put ideas “out there” to see what might be acceptable. As in the verbal portion of assessment center exercises, listen carefully and make sure there is substance and reflection in what you say.
Strong communication skills are an essential component of leadership, with transparency being a critical ingredient. Say what needs to be said, but skip things that need not be said. Do not ramble on and give the impression that you enjoy hearing yourself talk. Most experienced leaders can attribute much of their scar tissue to things they wished they had kept to themselves!
4. Lead By Example
In leadership positions where you emerged from that vocation, lead by example to reasonable and appropriate degrees. A leadership necessity is the practice of management by walking around (MBWA), which is essential for credibility and which also contributes greatly to organizational knowledge. Police chiefs should occasionally go out on patrol, fire chiefs should occasionally man fire trucks, and public works executives should occasionally don a hard hat and get their hands dirty. Be authentic and do these things not just for show, but because of your fondness for the functions and respect for those who continue to perform them.
Caution: Know your limitations and do not get in over your head where you look foolish or where you become a liability, or both!
5. You Cannot Have a Bad Day (at least not visibly so)
Your behavior and the way that you greet and interact with others is a key factor in the behavior of others. It will heavily influence their inclination to promptly and candidly bring critical issues to you. Do not be the type of person whose unpredictable behavior will be a factor in the decision of others to engage and interact with you. Make it clear that you expect and appreciate the prompt delivery of bad news.
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Leadership isn’t defined by a title—it’s revealed through habits, composure, and consistency. Explore more insights from Keith Bushey on The Bushey Perspective →
