Seven Ways Great Leaders Lead by Example
Whether you’re head of a large corporation or your family, the best way to lead is by example. Practicing what you preach instills trust and admiration and can rally and inspire your team to reach its goals. Here are seven ways to lead by example – no matter who you’re trying to guide:
1. Think about your words.
While actions speak louder than words, you still need to watch what you say. Words can impact morale and enthusiasm. How you say something can either encourage or discourage a team. Carefully think about how you present your thoughts. Will you gain support to meet goals or frustrate your team’s efforts? Will you boost their spirits or make the work seem pointless? Remember, it’s not what you say but how you say it.
2. Honor the chain of command.
While you may not agree with some of the decisions handed down from the upper chain of command, you must respect it at all times to set a good example. Otherwise, confusion and chaos may occur, and the structural elements of the team will begin to fall apart. If you have concerns, don’t gossip. Instead, speak to the people who can do something about it.
3. Do the work you ask of others.
Be ready to pitch in when needed and even when you aren’t. It shows your team that you are a member, even though you’re the leader. In addition to being appreciated, you’ll gain knowledge and skills that you may not be privy to if you’re constantly giving orders.
4. Develop sensitivity and take a particular interest in others.
Everyone has a bad day, and you should be sensitive to those days when an employee isn’t working at her best. Rather than showing criticism, be considerate. Furthermore, let your team know you value their work as often as you can. Make it specific to the task, so they know what to repeat in the future.
5. Be shrewd in choosing your battles.
Don’t concentrate your efforts on the minor disagreements which arise among team members. Instead, put your efforts into the more critical decisions which must be made. Otherwise, you’ll constantly be putting out fires and feel drained.
6. Listen
As a leader, it’s your job to know what’s going on at all times. Don’t be so busy with the work that you miss listening to your team members. Even though you may be an expert in what you do, you can’t know everything, and your team may provide valuable insight. Engaging your team and asking for their thoughts and advice also increases motivation and buy-in.
7. Never take your team for granted.
You need your team to succeed, so don’t take the members for granted or make assumptions. Instead, treat each as an essential asset to what you want to accomplish. Also, assume (until you’re shown differently) that your staff is virtuous and honest individuals you can trust and rely on.
When you strive to be an excellent example for others, you will gain trust, loyalty, and respect.