Leading by Example
Be an Example to Others for Faster Career Advancement
What does it mean to lead by example? Managers who swear by this leadership style feel they gain respect by doing the tough jobs they expect their team members to do. This view of leadership is common in the military, police and heavy industry. In the military, a team leader who stays in the background while his or her team goes into battle is not respected. Managers in any high risk or physically challenging work feel the same way.
If you are managing a team of accountants, however, you may be seen as interfering or micro-managing if you do too much of the work that your subordinates can do. It is alright to pitch in occasionally when a deadline is looming and your team won't make it without some extra support.
But all managers can lead by example without actually doing the work their subordinates are supposed to do. Work habits such as starting early and finishing late, being conscientious and hard working provide an example for your team that will gain you leadership credibility. How you treat people, your integrity and the values you live by are all part of leading by example. The old saying: “actions speak louder than words” is very relevant in this context. It simply means practicing what you preach and behaving in line with your organization's mission and values, being a role model.
How You Can Lead by Example
You don't have to manage a team to lead by example. Even new front-line employees with no one reporting to them can set an example through their work habits, how they deal with customers and how they relate to other employees. Just having a positive attitude when others are complaining can set an example which could show leadership to others. In fact, many employees may lead by example without even knowing it.
Suppose you are a highly skilled customer service representative and you join a company where employees are not so skilled in this area. You simply carry on serving customers as you have always done without realizing that you are doing a much better job of it than your colleagues. Your example could lead your colleagues to improve their approach to serving customers. Of course, being too good at anything could also cause resentment. People like to learn new skills from colleagues but they don't like to be shown up, to be made to look bad or stupid, especially by a newcomer.
Why Lead by Example
For fast career advancement, showing leadership can't be beaten. Every task in your job can be done well or poorly. The better you do your job, the more likely you are to set an example for others. Getting noticed for exceeding expectations is a sure way to get promoted. But you can do even better by looking out for new opportunities to show leadership. Make suggestions. Be creative.
