In our series on leadership attributes, we now look at leading by example. We might call a leader that consistently demonstrates this attribute a role model. They are the type of leaders that are worth following. These are the leaders that you want to work for and learn from. You would actively try to join their team if the opportunity arose. John Maxwell has said that these leaders know the way, go the way and show the way. I like how Dee Ann Turner describes this type of leader in her book Bet on Talent:
“When I was selecting (Chick fil-A franchisees, at the end of every interview, I always asked myself a question taught to me by a former boss: ‘Would I want my three children to work for this person?’ It’s a simple question that sums up my decision.”
These leaders would not ask their followers to do something that they would not also do. This is in contrast to some of the hypocritical political leaders we have seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, who mandate something (mask wearing, not traveling out of state or eating in restaurants, etc.), and then are caught doing the opposite themselves.
Have you had the opportunity to work for a leader who leads by example? What a joy it is!
I recently asked a few friends to help me describe a leader who leads by example. Here’s what we came up with. One who leads by example:
- Demonstrates Integrity
- Has both Character and Competence
- Is Trustworthy
- Is Humble
- Walks the Talk
- Has Leadership Presence
- Is a Lifelong Learner
- Is a Mentor
- Is Vulnerable
- Is Open to Feedback
- Has Leadership Courage
- Is Respected both inside and outside of the workplace
- Is a Servant Leader
- Is an Advocate for their team members
- Is Approachable
- Is Accountable
- Develops Others
- Cares about their team members personally
This is the list of traits of a leader who leads by example that we came up with. There are many more we could mention. What would you add to the list?
