Leading By Example – A Must Do!!

Why Is Leading By Example So Vital For A Leader?

Everyone has their position in terms of what makes a strong leader.  However there is one common thread that seems to surface with various authors, leadership gurus, and so on.  That common thread is leading by example.  What does that actually mean?  How does one lead by example?  The problem with telling someone they need to starting leading by example doesn’t guarantee that the person gets what that actually means.  Lets dive into what leading by example really means, how to ensure that you are doing so, and why if you don’t lead by example you will have a very hard time establishing trust with those you lead.

Leading By Example 101

If there is one must do for a leader it is to lead by example.  Think about it this way, if you don’t lead by example in terms of your values and what you expect others to do what are you doing?  You will be leading by confusion, not showcasing you are in control, not showing or earning respect, and will be giving mixed signals on a regular basis.  Some leaders may think this is good, however the people you lead whether its your family, friends, or team at work need to trust in your actions and also know that when times get tough you will be there right in the thick of it with them.

So in short, leading by example is about actions aligning with your words.  If you words and actions do not align, chances are you are not leading by example.

How To Ensure That You Are Leading By Example

One of the critical points to truly understand in order to lead by example is to have your values defined and well understood not only by yourself, but by those who you lead.  Your values should drive what you do as a leader, so if you truly value authenticity then you better be leading by example in this.  If you truly value people, they need to both know and trust that is your primary value.  If you are leading but not leading with your values and sending mixed signals, it only increases anxiety of those you lead.  Leading by example starts with your values first.

The Consequences Of Not Leading By Example

I have touched on some of the consequences of not leading by example in this post.  One of the biggest is not establishing trust with those you lead.  You may be in the camp of thinking that “people just need to do their jobs and get over this trust thing.”  I hate to say it but you are utterly wrong.  You may manage by fear and get people to do what you wish but if you are a real leader, you will understand that by managing by fear creates havoc for those you lead.

If people don’t trust you they are not going to go the extra mile to help you, heck they will probably do the minimum required for them to do their job.  If this is the case productivity will never reach its highest, and you will be far from leading by example.  Don’t fall victim to thinking that leading by example is not worth it, if you truly want to be an effective leader that people want to work for or want you to lead them then lead by example.

Final Thoughts On Leading By Example

In order to lead by example you have to know what your values are, you need to “walk the talk” and make sure that your words and actions align.  You need to send a clear message to those that you lead through actions and words.  Words without action are just words, but if you truly take the time to always check to see if you are leading by example only good things will come from it.  I have had too many managers in my time come nowhere near to lead by example and each of them never lasted very long.  Teams, other leaders and the like will only tolerate someone who does not lead by example for a small amount if time.  If you don’t believe me, feel free to try and not lead by example and see what happens.  Leading by example is a nonnegotiable so work to do so.

Incoming search terms:

• leading by example
• what does lead by example mean
• what does leading by example mean
• leading by example leadership
• leading by example images
• lead by example
• lead by example value
• leading example
• what does it mean to lead by example
• leadership leading by example

No related posts.