How to Set a Good Example as a Leader
The business environment is more intricate than ever before. There have been gradient shifts in client expectations and the general pace of work. Managing expectations, relationships and driving results requires strong leadership. A person with balanced emotional and intellectual fortification is needed to make sound assessments, to think and plan strategically and to drive change and success. Setting a good example is central to strong leadership, often leaders don’t even realise that their actions set the standard for those they lead.
A leader must continually ask themselves to what degree they are influencing and inspiring others and how their own example is setting the tone for their team and the company. The behaviours and actions of others are usually a reflection of those exhibited by the person they follow. While leaders might not be aware of this, their actions cast shadows. Their followers will do what they do (deeming the actions and behaviours they witness to be a necessity for success) and not what they say. On this basis then, it’s crucial that leaders are mindful of their relationships and interactions with their team, the approaches they adopt and their responses to problems because these behaviours are imitated by those around them.
Seek Out the Darkness
Mutual understanding and collaboration are required to meet business objectives successfully. A capable leader will inspire and motivate their team to work towards the company mission in unison. The best leaders assume an almost omnipresent quality. They’re watchful for gaps in the strategy, disgruntled employees and untapped potential. Often the black holes arise either due to the leader taking the wrong action or failing to act at all. Identifying how this happens requires self-reflection and self-evaluation for the leader. As David Whyte says in ‘The Shadow’ ‘to change the shape of ourselves is to change the shape of the shadow we cast. To become transparent is to lose one’s shadow altogether, something we often desire in the spiritual abstract, but actually, something that is not attainable by human beings — to change the shape of the identity that casts a shadow is more possible.’
Look in the Mirror
Leading by example requires self-awareness. This may require some attitude adjustment and a need to readdress the perception of who a great leader is and what a great leader does. Your team revolves around you, sitting on that axis, you have the opportunity to alter operations in line with your vision. It is the strategies you develop, the messages you communicate and the actions you take that shape the outcomes. You need to ensure that your followers will be enthusiastic to imitate the example you’re setting, so be mindful of how the decisions you make impact situations and commit to becoming a better version of yourself. Remember that as a leader you are being watched and if you are not achieving the level of influence you desire, look in the mirror, and ask yourself what it is you are doing to derail your desired outcome. Be conscious of the messages you are sending out and how you’re connecting with others. Lead by example and cast no shadow of doubt whatsoever. David Whyte defines this precisely: ‘Shadow is shaped by presence; presence comes a priori to our flaws and absences.’
Become Enlightened
The best leaders are enlightened. To lead effectively, you need to be transparent and put your shadow to good work. Look deeply within to seek the genius plans you need, this is where you will gain the knowledge and ability to grow and drive the business forward. A successful leader masters the use of reflection to build an effective self and team, delivering long term results. Furthermore, an effective leader acknowledges that growth is a team effort and so they positively encourage soliciting help and feedback from others all around them to ensure that they are undergoing continuous personal growth and development.
Tania Watson is the founder of Creative Coaching and an executive coach, organisational consultant and leadership specialist. Creative Coaching is a successful company dedicated to the development of senior leaders in organisations through one to one coaching, intact team development and group facilitation. If you or someone from your organisation would like to have a no obligation conversation about how Creative Coaching may be able to help, please email Tania directly at tania@twcreativecoaching.com.
