Leading by Example

In my e-book, Leadership for New Managers: Book Two, (http://smashwords.com/b/30090, use code WL23B for a free copy) I do not say a lot about leading by example. All the chapters leading up to this part explain how to lead by example. I felt that I did not have to say much more. I think when leaders fail to lead by example; the followers are very disappointed more by the falsehood than the failure to set the example. After all, followers understand that leaders are human too and fall to temptations or cannot live up to their lofty goals. They understand that. The thing that hurts is when the leader says one thing but does another. Then the followers feel that their leader lied to them.

F. Leading by Example

Leader/managers are role models for others. Associates view them as the example. Leaders must, therefore, maintain standards and provide examples of effective behaviors. What associates see leaders do sets the stage for what they may do. Modeling these attributes of characterdefines the leader/managers to the people with whom they interact. A leader of sound character will exhibit that character at all times. It is not a “Do as I say, not as I do.” situation.

Setting the example means arriving early to work. Leaders cannot tell their associates to be at work at one time while they arrive whenever they want. It also means staying late, seeing what goes on after quitting time. Leaders show that they care.