“Do as I say, not as I do” isn’t a phrase that works well in business, and when you’re leading in the workplace, a much more effective method is to lead by example. Leading with action is a trait of a great leader, and this is a really simple way to do just that in your everyday professional life. When you lead by example, you show your employees what your leadership is all about, and watching you live your word will inspire them to follow suit as well. A few questions you can ask yourself to see if you’re leading by example are:
- Are you listening? – If you want to be listened to, you should be listening yourself. Employee ideas, concerns, or solutions should be truly heard when they’re expressing them to you, and employees will return the favor when it’s your turn to talk.
- Are you sharing the credit? – Everyone wants a little recognition for their work, and actively sharing the credit for a job well done with your team will prove to them the priority you place on teamwork as well.
- Are you connecting? – You can’t expect your employees to connect with one another if you’re not willing to connect with them as well. Put yourself in their shoes, share ideas with them, and show them what their feelings mean to you. In return, they’ll treat you and one another the same way, as you set the tone for a connected and “in-tune” workplace.
- Are you doing what you expect of them? – Sometimes things get busy, and more will be expected of your employees. One really important way to lead by example is to show employees that you will be working just as hard as they are, and this will inspire them to push and feel motivation to help you in achieving the goal.
Few workplace strategies are as effective in providing motivation and inspiring loyalty than leading by example, and this is a really great way to lead with your actions rather than your words. When you lead by example, you show that you’re as much of a part of the team as they are, and that working all together is how things get done!
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