Become an Productive Leader: 10 Ways to Lead by Example

We are all leaders at one time or another and in order to be a good leader. you must lead by example. When your actions are aligned with what you say, you become a person others want to follow. However, When you say one thing but do another, you erode trust, a critical element of productive leadership. Here are 10 of the dozens of ways to lead by example.

1. Take responsibility:

Blame costs you your credibility, keeps team members on the defensive and ultimately sabotages real growth.

2. Be truthful:

Inaccurate representation affects everyone. Show that honesty really IS the best policy.

3. Be courageous:

Walk through fire (a crisis) first. Take calculated risks that demonstrate your commitment to a larger purpose.

4. Acknowledge failure:

Acknowledging failure allows you to learn from mistakes and defines failure as part of the process of becoming extraordinary.

5. Be persistent:

Try, try again. Go over, under or around any hurdles to show that obstacles don’t define your company or team.  Moving forward, despite of or because of obstacles is the definition of thriving.

6. Create solutions:

Don’t dwell on problems; instead  first look for solutions and then look again.

7. Listen:

Ask questions of yourself and others. Seek to understand. You’ll receive valuable insights and set a tone that encourages healthy dialogue.

8. Step into Your Greatness:

Identify and own your skills, talents and uniqueness.  Encourage an atmosphere where you can focus on your core strengths and help others to do the same.

9. Take care of yourself:

Exercise, don’t overwork, take breaks. A balanced team, mentally and physically, is a successful team. Model it, encourage it, support it!

10. Roll up your sleeves:

Be willing to do the work that needs to get done.  Like Alexander the Great leading his men into battle, you’ll inspire greatness in your company.

These are just 10 of the many ways that great leaders can lead by example. What have you been inspired to do by a great leader?