Leading by Example: Why You Can’t Force Change
Leadership is an intricate phenomenon that extends beyond personal identity. A leader’s behavior can lead to major shifts, either in growth or energy loss, for the people around them. However, change cannot be imposed; it has to come from within, after understanding its implications, benefits, and costs. Leaders can set an example, but they cannot compel others to do things they do not want to do. This article explains why forced change is impossible and the advantages of leading by example.
Why You Can’t Force Change?
- Resistance to Change
- Complex Network of Habits
- Constructive Feedback
- Short-Term Impact
Humans resist change and favor staying in their comfort zone. Even when they realize the value of changing, people wonder why they need to do it when they are content with their present circumstances. In work environments, employees may resist changing processes and work patterns. Similarly, in personal settings, friends and family members may consider change an unwelcome imposition on their freedom. Cultural and psychological factors make it hard for people to step out of their comfort zones.
Habits are influential since they are a product of repetition and consistency. Breaking a habit is not just about being willing to change – it requires breaking down a network of interconnected behaviors before a change can occur. Habits also have a social and psychological context. In workplace environments, an employee may behave differently around colleagues than they do when alone. They may have preferences for certain people or activities that can be challenging to alter. People have a complex network of habits that makes it hard to force change.
Constructive feedback is a powerful tool that can inspire change. When people receive constructive criticism on their behavior, they may be inclined to make changes. However, the person receiving feedback must be willing to act upon it, and the feedback should be specific, relevant, and communicate respectfully. Giving feedback does not mean forcing change – the receiver of the feedback may decide to act upon it if they see it as beneficial. However, it must be called feedback, not an order or directive.
Forced change may cause a short-term positive effect, but it rarely leads to long-term change. People may go through the motions without fully committing to the process, leading to mimicking the behavior but not embracing it. Forced change may result in resistance and question the ethical stand of the leader.
The Benefits of Leading by Example:
- Inspiration
- Earn Trust
- Positive Impact on Culture
- Accountability
- Encourages Creativity
Leading by example can inspire people to take action. Leaders are often seen as role models, and they have a responsibility to embody the values they are promoting. When people witness the benefits of a leader’s actions, they are more likely to follow.
Leading by example increases trust between leaders and followers. People trust actions more than words. By leading with integrity and consistently doing what they believe in, leaders hold themselves accountable and earn the trust of the people they lead.
Leaders are responsible for shaping organizational culture. By modeling behavior, they can positively influence the norms and values of the people around them. Culture change is a gradual process, and it starts with the leader’s behavior. If the leader models positive behavior and values, the people around them will take notice and follow suit.
Leaders who lead by example are accountable for their actions. They understand that their behavior can impact other people and take responsibility for their decisions. When leaders model behavior, they give permission for other people to hold themselves accountable.
Leaders who lead by example encourage creativity in their teams. When the leader models creativity and innovation, the team feels more comfortable sharing their ideas without fear of rejection, leading to more significant breakthroughs and better problem-solving.
How to Lead by Example:
- Understand the Importance of Modeling Behavior
- Lead by Example with Integrity and Consistency
- Communicate Clearly
- Be a Good Listener
- Encourage Positive Change
Leaders must understand that their behavior will be emulated by the people around them. Therefore, leaders should model the behavior they expect from others. For instance, if the leader wants the team to be innovative and risk-taking, they should model those behaviors themselves.
Leaders must lead with integrity and consistency. People trust leaders who are consistent in their behavior and those who uphold ethics. Leaders should also model behavior consistently across different situations and contexts.
To lead by example, leaders need to communicate their vision and values effectively and ensure the team understands their expectations and the reasons why they matter. Leaders who can clearly articulate their messages have a higher chance of creating a positive impact.
Leaders should be good listeners and take the time to understand the needs of the people around them. When people feel heard, they are more likely to engage, collaborate, and be more productive.
Leaders who want positive change should model that change themselves. People are more likely to follow when they see the benefits of a change in the leader’s behavior. Leaders should encourage change and make it a value that people in and around the organization embrace.
Conclusion:
Leadership requires an understanding of the limitations of forced change and the benefits of leading by example. Leaders who lead by example inspire, earn trust, make positive changes in organizational culture, willingly take accountability, and encourage creativity. To lead by example, leaders must model behavior with consistency and integrity, communicate clearly, be good listeners, and encourage positive change.