The Art of Leading by Example: Are You Showing Up the Way You Want Your Team To?
In leadership, one of the most powerful tools at your disposal isn’t just strategy or decision-making—it’s how you show up every single day. The essence of true leadership lies not just in what you say, but in what you do. Your actions, more than your words, set the tone for your team and shape the culture of your organization. But let me ask you this: Are you truly showing up in the ways you want your team to?
The Mirror Effect of Leadership
We’ve all heard the saying, “Actions speak louder than words.” Yet, in the fast-paced world of leadership, it’s easy to forget that our teams are constantly watching, learning, and modeling their behavior after ours. This phenomenon, often called the "Mirror Effect," means that your team’s work ethic, attitude, and values are often a direct reflection of yours. If you want a team that is brave, authentic, productive, and growth-oriented, then you need to embody those qualities first.
Model the Behavior You Want to See
Think about the behaviors you wish to see in your team. Is it relentless curiosity? A willingness to embrace uncertainty? A commitment to strategic deep work, new ideas, and innovation? Now, ask yourself: How often do you model these behaviors? For instance, if you value innovation, do you carve out time in your schedule for uninterrupted strategic or creative thinking, or are you constantly in reactive mode? If you value continuous learning, do you visibly invest in your own development?
The Brave Act of Self-Reflection
Leading by example requires a level of bravery that many leaders overlook—the bravery to look in the mirror and honestly assess how you’re showing up. It’s about asking tough questions:
Am I embodying the values I expect from my team?
Do my actions align with the culture I’m trying to build?
How can I better demonstrate the behaviors I want to see?
This kind of self-reflection isn’t easy, but it’s essential for personal and organizational growth.
Taking Small Brave Moves®
The impact you make as a leader lies in the small brave moves you make daily. These aren’t grand gestures, but intentional actions that demonstrate your commitment to the values you want to cultivate within your team. Whether it’s prioritizing a one-on-one conversation over a meeting, admitting a mistake, or showing up fully present in every interaction, these moves speak volumes to your team.
The Ripple Effect
When you consistently lead by example, you create a ripple effect that spreads throughout your organization. Your bravery becomes contagious, your authenticity inspires others, and your commitment to growth fuels a culture where everyone strives to be their best selves.
A Challenge for You
This week, I challenge you to take a moment to reflect on how you’re showing up as a leader. Identify one area where you can better align your actions with your values. Make that small, brave move. And watch as your team begins to mirror the behaviors that will drive your collective success.
Leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. And every step you take in leading by example brings you closer to creating a team that is not only high-performing but deeply connected and aligned.
Let’s embrace the art of leading by example together.
Are you ready to look in the mirror?