LEAD BY EXAMPLE: THREE ACTIONS THAT WILL INSPIRE TEAM SUCCESS

“Example is not the main thing in influencing others; it is the only thing.”

Albert Schweitzer

We all know that actions speak much louder than words. Therefore, as leaders, we might ask ourselves: when any team member wants to see what our organization’s vision, values, ethical expectations, and performance standards look like, can they look at me to see how it’s done? Do I embody the expectations of the people I lead? Modeling the way is essential to inspiring and motivating your teams to achieve and sustain success. Here are three actions that will inspire your team.

Show The Way

Role modeling should be the top priority of every leader. We know that the eyes and ears of others are paying close attention when we show up. Leaders who elevate others welcome the attention, embrace the need to be authentic, and offer an appealing example. Jesus was the best role model I could think of. In the biblical writings, he took the initiative to serve his leadership team by washing each person’s feet, considered one of the most undesirable, menial, yet necessary duties the lowest-ranking workers would grudgingly perform. Jesus demonstrated how to initiate serving others; if the leader could do it, the team should follow suit. Most importantly, Jesus’ deliberate actions gave His team a high-definition visual of essential knowledge to lead effectively. His model empowered them to apply what they had learned, and he assured them that success would come by replicating his attitude and actions.

John Maxwell rightly stated, “Leaders know the way, go the way, and show the way.” As you show up to lead your teams, focus on one of your organizational standards and set out to demonstrate that standard all day. Repeat this process daily with a different standard for each day. Incorporate the standards into your daily vocabulary, as each standard becomes a part of your everyday conversation. Give real-time coaching when others do not apply standards. Celebrate and affirm those who follow the standards in real-time.

Model Integrity

Integrity is foundational to leadership that elevates others. Leaders with integrity are committed to doing what is right even when no one is watching. Ethical standards are internalized, embodied, and talked about.  They “walk the talk” by demonstrating their commitment to consistently practice ethical behaviors such as honesty, transparency, compliance, quality, equity, accountability, confidentiality, etc. They are unwavering and vocal about behaving ethically when faced with tough decisions.

Dwight D. Eisenhower underscored its importance when he said, “The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity.” Consistently doing the right thing will earn your team’s respect and trust, as ethical expectations are caught and taught through your example, elevating the organizational culture. Are you consciously committed to modeling integrity? What are you doing daily to maintain your “Ethical Edge?” How often do you talk about ethical expectations with your team? Does your team see you as an example of integrity?

Pursue Excellence

Embody the excellence you want your team to pursue. Excellence is centered on a mindset of being the very best you can, doing the very best you can, and achieving the very best you can, individually and collectively. When your leadership embodies excellence, the example will encourage your team to follow your lead. You should also set high standards for performance and quality and consistently deliver exceptional results. A study cited by Forbes showed that teams whose leader modeled high performance performed better than teams whose leader modeled low performance. As leaders committed to excellence, we should unapologetically reject mediocrity or merely meet expectations.

Tom Brady, the 7-Time NFL Super Bowl Champion and arguably the greatest of all time in his position, had a contagious work ethic, set expectations for others to follow his example, and created trust and credibility. He said, “They will only trust and respect you if they see you do the work first.” Excellence starts with you! Do your work with excellence and lead with excellence. Communicate clear expectations with regular feedback, helping your team to grow and align their performance with organizational goals. Cultivate accountability, ensuring leaders and team members take full ownership of results.

Walk The Talk

Influential leaders are committed to being examples who consistently model the way. Role modeling requires consistency, integrity, and the courage to demonstrate the values, standards, and behaviors you want to see in the people you lead. When you show the way, model integrity, and pursue excellence, you inspire others to follow your lead and elevate their performance. Your example can foster a culture of excellence, optimism, growth, and high performance. "Exemplary leaders must be models of the behavior they expect to see from others"—Kouzes & Posner. Are you all in? Let's make a conscious decision every day to walk the talk.

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LeaderLift equips individuals to “Lead by Example” through assessments, training, coaching, consulting programs, and keynote speaking. Our hands-on approach to leadership development helps participants lift their performance and make a positive and sustained impact within their organizations.

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