6 Ways to Lead Your Team By Example
Every team needs a good leader, and every good leader needs to lead by example. “Do as I say, not as I do” leadership will make your team members feel like you don’t value them and their expertise or are willing to exploit them to serve your bottom line. If you lead by example, on the other hand, you’ll bring out their best and encourage their loyalty. Here are six ways you can do that.
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Do the work you expect your team to do. If there’s a big project on the horizon and your team members need to work extra hours to complete that project, be right there with them. Nothing kills morale like the boss leaving at 5:00 while everyone else has to work late into the evening. But if you stay at the office, not only will the project be completed more quickly, but your team will respect you for your willingness to stay until the work is done.
Take responsibility. The best leaders know how important it is to be accountable for mistakes that have been made. Don’t shift the blame to the person or people who made the error. Instead, say, “Yes, we messed up, and as a leader it’s my duty to acknowledge that and make it right.” If you’re honest and act with humility, you’ll go a long way toward earning your team’s trust.
Treat people the way you want to be treated. If you respect your team members, they will respect you. Never take people for granted, because your team is your most important asset. Celebrate their victories, work anniversaries, and other occasions that will make your team members feel special. In doing so, you’ll inspire positive emotions and encouraging loyalty.
Show integrity. If you want your team to act with integrity, you need to set the example. If your team sees you being less than honest or cutting corners, they will most likely do the same. Show your team through your actions that honesty is the only acceptable practice, and they’ll follow your lead.
Have a positive attitude. Let your team know you’re excited about your job and your employer. If you complain about your superiors or about the way the company does things, that negativity will travel down the line and infect your team members. Employees with a positive attitude are more productive and are more likely to be loyal and retain their excitement about the company.
Listen. People want to be heard and not patronized. When a team member comes to you with a question or concern, don’t spend your time preparing to speak. Instead, focus on what the team member is saying and paraphrase that sentence back to them. Start with the phrase, “What I hear you saying is…” and culminate with “Is that correct, or did I miss something?” By doing so, you’ll reinforce the belief that you respect your team members and are genuinely interested in listening to and understanding them.
