Example is Everything: Learning to Lead from the Front

Example is Everything:

Learning to Lead from the Front

By Eliot Suggs Feb 11, 2025

The Name of the Game

Even if just in the back of their mind, everyone wants leadership to look like "Simon Says".  However, "Follow the Leader” ends up getting played every time. Setting the example is not just a part of leadership; it's the foundation. It's how you build trust, inspire action, and create a culture where others want to follow. Your example is everything. Let's explore how to strengthen your ability to lead by example with practical steps you can apply today:

1. Identify Your Core Values (and Live Them):

Your values are your compass. They guide your decisions and actions, even when no one is watching. Clearly define your core leadership values (e.g., integrity, accountability, respect, excellence) and make a conscious effort to embody them in everything you do. People are incredibly perceptive. When you are living outside of your values, or don’t even know what you value, others in your life know something is off. Everyone seeks to follow someone who is genuine in every area of their life. Define your core values and work to live them out daily.

• Action Step: Write down your top 3-5 core leadership values. Then, reflect on how you've demonstrated (or failed to demonstrate) these values in the past month. Identify areas where you can be more intentional about living your values.

2. Be the Change You Want to See:

Be the change you want to see in the world.

- Mahatma Gandhi

Gandhi's famous quote is incredibly relevant to leadership. If you want your team to be more proactive, take initiative yourself. If you value punctuality, always be on time. If you expect transparency, be transparent in your own communication. Don't ask your team to do anything you're not willing to do yourself.

• Action Step: Think about one behavior you want to see more of in your team. Start modeling that behavior consistently. For example, if you want your team to be more collaborative, actively seek out opportunities to listen to their ideas. Hold and attend brainstorming sessions for projects you’re working on.

3. Communicate Your Expectations Clearly (and Consistently):

While leading by example is essential, it's also important to be clear about your expectations. Don't assume your team knows what you want. Communicate your vision, goals, and standards clearly and consistently. Then, demonstrate those expectations through your own actions.

• Action Step: Figure out what you expectations actually are! The team you are leading can never know what your expectations are unless you know what they are first. Then switch the roles for a minute. How would you prefer your leader communicate their expectations with you? What would help make it more clear to you what they expect to accomplish and what your role is in accomplishing it? Meet with your team to review your team's goals and expectations. Explain how your own habits and behaviors will reflect those expectations and work towards your goal.

4. Be Accountable (and Own Your Mistakes):

Everyone makes mistakes. Even Leaders. What sets leaders apart is how they handle those mistakes. Be accountable for your actions, own your errors, and apologize when necessary. This shows your team that it's okay to make mistakes, as long as you learn from them. It builds trust and creates a safe environment for growth. The fear of failing kills more dreams than failure ever will.  Your team should be able to see that you’re human.

• Action Step: Reflect on a recent mistake you made. How did you handle it? What could you have done differently? Going forward, make a conscious effort to own your mistakes and use them as learning opportunities. If your team can see you grow from your failure, they’ll learn it is ok to grow from their failures too.

5. Seek Perspective (and Be Open to It):

We all want to believe that we all have it figured out. I would be putting on blinders if I didn’t allow the people closest to me to speak into my life when I was missing the mark on the example I am setting. Don't assume you're always setting the right example. Actively seek feedback perspective from your mentors, your team, your peers, and even your superiors. Be open to hearing constructive criticism, even if it's difficult to hear. Poor leaders have thin skin and a hard heart. Excellent leaders have thick skin and a soft heart. Humble yourself, have thick skin, and use this feedback as an opportunity to grow and improve your leadership. 

• Action Step: Schedule one-on-one meetings with your team members and ask for feedback on your leadership. If you don't have a team yet, talk to your closest friends and family. Be specific about what you're asking for feedback on (e.g., "How effectively am I communicating my expectations?", “From the example I set, can you see my core values?”). Listen carefully to their responses and thank them for their feedback.

No one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care. 

- Theodore Roosevelt 

Leadership is spelled E.X.A.M.P.L.E.

Leading by example requires self-awareness, intentionality, and a commitment to living your values. Focus on these action steps, and you can strengthen your ability to lead by example, inspiring your team to grow their own leadership as well.