In leadership, one principle stands out above the rest: effective leaders lead by example. Demonstrating the behavior you expect from your team is crucial in fostering a culture of accountability and unity. Whether it’s punctuality, professionalism, or a commitment to excellence, your actions as a leader set the tone for your entire team.
During the time I was CEO at MINDSCAPE, we held onto the value of an ownership mentality for over two decades. This approach has been the glue that has kept our team together through thick and thin. When you’re part of a team, success and failure are shared experiences. It’s not about pointing fingers or laying blame when things don’t go as planned. Instead, it’s about taking ownership of your role and supporting your teammates so they can be successful too.
My Experience with Leading by Example
One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned in my career is the importance of leading by example. I remember a specific instance at MINDSCAPE that really drove this point home.
We were in the middle of a critical project with a tight deadline. Everyone on the team was under pressure, and the stress was intense. One morning, I arrived at the office a few minutes late—nothing major, but enough to notice the ripple effect it had. People were already at their desks, but I could sense the tension. Normally, I’m one of the first to arrive, setting the tone for the day. My lateness, though small, seemed to give others a subtle permission to let their own standards slip.
That same day, during a team meeting, it became clear that a few tasks had fallen behind. The mood in the room shifted quickly—frustration, defensiveness, and even a hint of blame started to creep in. It was a turning point. I realized that if I didn’t step up and own my part in this, we could easily spiral into a blame game, which would do nothing to get us back on track.
So, I decided to address the elephant in the room. I started the conversation by acknowledging my own lateness and how it might have impacted the team’s energy and focus. I didn’t make excuses; instead, I emphasized how important it is for me, as a leader, to model the behaviors I expect from everyone else. I could see the relief on their faces. The mood lightened, and instead of dwelling on what had gone wrong, we shifted the discussion to how we could move forward together.
We ended up working late that evening—not because I asked them to, but because everyone was committed to turning things around. We pulled together, and by the next morning, we were back on track, with renewed focus and energy. It was a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s about being accountable and setting the example, even when things don’t go as planned.
From Insight to Action
The insights gained from leading by example can be transformative if applied consistently.
Here’s how you can turn these insights into actionable steps:
- Be the Change You Wish to See: If punctuality is important to you, make sure you’re always on time. Your team will notice and follow suit.
- Encourage Open Communication: Foster an environment where team members feel comfortable discussing their challenges and successes. This builds trust and encourages a collective ownership mentality.
- Support Your Team: Instead of assigning blame, work with your team to identify solutions. This not only resolves the immediate issue but also strengthens the team’s cohesion.
What is one area where you can better lead by example for your team?
Implementing Insights in Your Life
Applying these leadership principles can have a significant impact not just within your team, but across various aspects of your life. Consider these hypothetical scenarios:
- At Work: If you want your team to embrace accountability, start by being transparent about your own mistakes and what you’ve learned from them. This openness will encourage others to do the same.
- In Your Community: Lead by example in your community by volunteering your time or resources. Your actions will inspire others to contribute as well.
- In Personal Relationships: Demonstrate the behaviors you value in your relationships, such as honesty and reliability. This will set a standard that others will likely follow.
Take a moment today to reflect on how you can lead by example in one area of your life. Then, take action and observe the impact it has on those around you.
In the end, leadership is not about titles or positions; it’s about the example you set. By leading through your actions, you not only inspire your team but also create a culture of accountability and mutual support. The lessons we learn from owning our actions are universal, applicable in every aspect of life. So, let’s commit to being the leaders we aspire to be—starting today.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic. How have you led by example in your life, and what impact has it had? Share your experiences in the comments below.