Lead by example: Your actions speak louder than your words.
Lead by example is a phrase that highlights the idea that actions speak louder than words. It’s a call to leaders to walk the talk – to show their followers the way through their conduct and behaviors. As a leader, your actions are watched more closely than anything you say. No matter how much you espouse certain values or principles, if your actions do not align with them, your followers are less likely to follow them. Therefore, leading by example is an essential leadership trait that every leader should embrace. In this article, we will explore why leading by example is critical, the benefits that come with leading by example, and ways to lead by example effectively.
Why leading by example is critical
Leading by example is critical because it sets the tone for leadership. As a leader, your role is to create a culture that fosters growth, development, and accountability. If you preach accountability but fail to hold yourself accountable, your followers are less likely to take your message seriously. Alternatively, if you promote teamwork but undermine your team’s efforts by playing favorites or engaging in backbiting, you create a culture of mistrust and resentment. In both cases, your actions are the antithesis of the culture you seek to create.
Moreover, leading by example is critical because it helps you earn the respect of your followers. Respect is something that is earned, not given. As a leader, you cannot demand respect; you have to earn it. One of the ways to earn respect from your followers is to model the behavior that you expect from them. If you work hard and give your best effort, you are more likely to earn the respect of your followers than if you only put forth minimal effort.
Finally, leading by example is critical because it helps you set the standard for your organization. As a leader, you set the bar for your organization. If you hold yourself to high standards, your followers are more likely to follow suit. Conversely, if you lower your standards or cut corners, you send the message that mediocrity is acceptable. In essence, your actions are a reflection of what you consider acceptable in your organization, and your followers will align their behavior accordingly.
Benefits of leading by example
Now that we’ve established why leading by example is critical let’s explore some of the benefits that come with leading by example:
- Improved credibility
- Increased motivation
- Improved communication
- Increased accountability
Credibility is an essential aspect of leadership. If your followers do not trust you, they are less likely to follow you. Leading by example helps you build credibility because it shows that you are willing to do what you expect of others. If you expect your followers to be punctual, for instance, but you are always late for meetings, you lose credibility. Conversely, if you model punctuality by showing up on time and demonstrating the importance of punctuality, you build credibility.
As a leader, your job is to motivate your followers to achieve their highest potential. One of the ways to do this is to lead by example. If you show your followers what it takes to be successful, you inspire them to follow suit. Thus, leading by example creates a ripple effect of positive behavior. When you demonstrate the behaviors you want to see in your followers, you inspire them to follow suit, creating a culture of excellence.
Effective communication is vital for any organization to succeed. Leading by example improves communication because it aligns your words and actions. When you say one thing but do another, you confuse your followers, leading to poor communication. Conversely, when you lead by example, your followers know what to expect, and it becomes easier to communicate your message.
Accountability is a critical aspect of leadership. When you hold yourself accountable, you show your followers that you are willing to take responsibility for your actions, creating a culture of accountability. Leading by example increases accountability because it shows your followers that you are willing to do what it takes to achieve success, regardless of the challenge.
Ways to lead by example effectively
Now that we’ve explored why leading by example is critical let’s look at ways to lead by example effectively:
- Be intentional
- Be consistent
- Be mindful of your emotions
- Admit your mistakes
- Give credit where it’s due
- Stay true to your values
Leading by example requires intentionality. You have to be intentional about the message you want to send and the behaviors you want to model. As a leader, you cannot afford to be haphazard about your conduct and behaviors. Your followers are watching, and they will follow your lead, whether it’s intentional or not.
Consistency is key to leading by example. You cannot be selective about the behaviors you model, or you will lose credibility. For instance, if you expect your followers to work hard but are seen slacking off, you lose credibility. Conversely, if you consistently model hard work, you inspire your followers to do the same.
As a leader, your emotions are contagious. If you exhibit negative emotions such as anger, frustration, or cynicism, your followers will start to exhibit the same emotions. Alternatively, if you model positive emotions such as gratitude, joy, and optimism, your followers are more likely to be positive. Therefore, be mindful of your emotions and how they impact those around you.
No one is perfect, and as a leader, it’s essential to admit your mistakes. When you admit your mistakes, you show your followers that you are not infallible. Additionally, admitting your mistakes shows that you are willing to take responsibility for your actions, creating a culture of accountability.
A good leader gives credit where it’s due. When someone on your team does a great job, acknowledge their efforts publicly. Public recognition is a powerful motivator and improves morale. Additionally, giving credit where it’s due shows your followers that you value their contributions and encourages them to continue giving their best effort.
As a leader, your values dictate your behavior. When you stay true to your values, you inspire your followers to do the same. Conversely, when you compromise your values, you send the message that it’s okay to cut corners or take shortcuts. Staying true to your values also creates consistency, leading to increased credibility.
Conclusion
In conclusion, leading by example is a critical leadership trait that every leader should embrace. It’s not enough to talk the talk; you must walk the walk. When you lead by example, you improve credibility, motivation, communication, and accountability. Additionally, leading by example sets the standard for your organization and creates a culture of excellence. To lead by example effectively, be intentional, consistent, mindful of your emotions, admit your mistakes, give credit where it’s due, and stay true to your values. Remember, your actions speak louder than your words, so lead by example, and your followers will follow your lead.