In this post we’ll pick up again on the Leadership model where the main components are the Leader, Vision, and People by examining another component of the Leader; that being Lead by Example.
So no, there is not a new law that permits the Police to use handicapped parking spot when going for coffee, but it sure gives a good example of how all leaders need to lead by example, at all times! Someone saw this poor example of leading by example and not only took a picture of it, but published it on social media for all to see. We’ve all heard the phrase “lead by example“, however, time and time again we see and hear, both very publicly as well as from the leaders we interact with daily, how they fail to actually demonstrate it.
As a leader you need to assume your team is always watching you and that you are under the microscope at all times. Nothing goes unnoticed, particularly hypocritical double standards of one version for them and a totally different one of lower expectation for you! How can you expect to enforce and uphold the rules and standards of your business and team if you don’t demonstrate them yourself?
Below are ten ways I believe that a leader can lead by example. Although I follow and believe strongly in all 10 of these, I do find a few where I struggle for consistency, so I continue to work to develop my skills and behaviours in those areas to be a better leader.
Top 10 ways to lead by example:
- Always follow organizational rules, policy, protocols; you are not above them
- Consistently demonstrate the behaviours of the culture you want in your organization
- No double standards
- No favourites, but that doesn’t mean treat everyone equally
- Always be approachable, friendly, listen
- Assume positive intent
- Seek to understand first
- Treat people the way you want to be treated
- Never take people for granted
- Say “Thanks, good job!” and mean it.
Leading by example can be tough sometimes; as after all we are all human. However, rest assured, the one time you let your guard down, it will be noticed. Continue to strive to lead by example and improve your leadership with the ten methods above. Be a positive model of leading by example to your team!
How do you lead by example? Leave a comment.
If you missed the first post in this series, you can find it at What is Leadership?
Glenn Sommerville 
Thanks for this reminder Glenn, what a powerful example of the negative impact of “do as I say, not as I do”. As disappointing as that picture is, hopefully this tough lesson resulted in some permanent behaviour change.
I really like #6, “Assume positive intent”. I used to volunteer at an HIV/AIDS hospice many years ago and one of our team norms was “Assume Goodwill Always” which is a mantra I try and live by. Most people are decent and have good intentions. It’s so easy to jump to the wrong conclusion, but I find when I do that I’m usually wrong.
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