How Do You Lead by Example in Your Organization?
Leadership is as much about setting an example as it is about making decisions. We gathered insights from eight CEOs and business owners on the specific ways they set a positive example for their teams. From embracing change as a pathway to progress to cultivating trust through transparency and communication, discover the diverse strategies these leaders employ to inspire their teams.
- Embrace Change as a Pathway to Progress
- Demonstrate Work Ethic and Dedication
- Prioritize Work-Life Balance for Team Health
- Balance Decisiveness with Consideration
- Lead Hands-On with Safety and Quality Focus
- Foster Respect with Intellectual Humility
- Model Accountability by Admitting Mistakes
- Cultivate Trust with Transparency and Communication
Embrace Change as a Pathway to Progress
As a CEO, I consider setting a good example as a crucial aspect of my leadership. I try to showcase the importance of adaptability within the rapidly evolving tech industry. The tech landscape shifts quickly, and being able to adapt, without losing core values, is vital for our survival and growth. I immerse myself in cutting-edge developments and ensure I’m well-informed to lead our tech-driven projects. My eagerness to adapt and innovate emphasizes that one should not fear change but embrace it as a pathway toward progress.
Abid Salahi
Co-Founder & CEO, FinlyWealth
Demonstrate Work Ethic and Dedication
I believe in leading by example when it comes to work ethic and dedication. I’m consistently the first one in the office and the last to leave, demonstrating my commitment to our company’s mission and goals. I make it a point to tackle challenging tasks head-on, showing my team that no job is beneath me and that I’m willing to roll up my sleeves alongside them. This approach helps foster a culture of hard work and shared responsibility throughout the organization.
Ben Whitmarsh
Owner and Managing Director, Generators for Export
Prioritize Work-Life Balance for Team Health
As the head of a recruiting firm, I believe a healthy work-life balance is crucial, not just for my own well-being but also to set a positive example for my team. I’ve always disliked toxic work environments where overworked, disgruntled employers leave at 9 p.m. and expect the team to stay back with them as a courtesy.
Prioritizing my physical and mental health allows me to approach my work with clarity, creativity, and enthusiasm. I’ve found that when I’m well-rested and fulfilled outside of work, I’m more effective in my role—making better decisions, fostering strong relationships with clients and candidates, and ultimately leading the business toward success.
By openly sharing my commitment to work-life balance, I encourage my team to do the same. I emphasize that it’s perfectly acceptable to take breaks, set boundaries, and pursue personal interests outside of our demanding work environment. I model this behavior myself; for instance, I make it a point to leave the office at a reasonable hour and to unplug completely on weekends. When my team sees me practicing what I preach, it reassures them that it’s not only permissible but also beneficial to take care of their personal lives.
Moreover, I actively promote a culture where open discussions about workload and stress are encouraged. I regularly check in with team members to ensure they feel supported, and I’m flexible with work arrangements when needed. This not only boosts morale but also fosters loyalty and retention. I want my team to understand that their health and happiness are priorities for me and that achieving professional goals doesn’t have to come at the expense of personal fulfillment.
Joe Coletta
Founder & CEO, 180 Engineering
Balance Decisiveness with Consideration
One way I set a positive example for my team is by making it a priority to balance decisiveness with humility. In the legal field, especially in estate law, decisions carry significant weight and can impact families for generations. While it’s essential to be decisive, I believe it’s equally important to show that it’s okay to reconsider and adjust decisions as new information or perspectives arise. This balance isn’t something often highlighted in law, where confidence is often seen as synonymous with being rigid.
For example, if a team member brings a new idea or insight to a case, even if it’s contrary to a decision I’ve already made, I always take it into careful consideration. This doesn’t just demonstrate openness; it shows that our practice is a place where every voice matters and where the pursuit of the best outcome is more important than any individual’s ego. This approach motivates my team to be more deliberate and less hesitant to voice their differing opinions, creating a more cooperative and vibrant atmosphere in the workplace.
Oliver Morrisey
Owner, Director, Empower Wills & Estate Lawyers
Lead Hands-On with Safety and Quality Focus
I set a positive example for my team by being hands-on and leading by example, whether it is on a job site or in customer interactions. I prioritize safety and quality, making sure everyone understands the importance of doing things right the first time.
Open communication is key, so I encourage my team to voice their ideas and concerns. I also make a point to recognize and reward hard work, reinforcing a culture of respect and dedication. By staying involved and showing that I am willing to do the work alongside them, I foster a strong sense of teamwork and commitment.
Amaury Ponce
Business Owner, Ponce Tree Services
Foster Respect with Intellectual Humility
Intellectual humility is an essential quality for effective leadership. It is the recognition that, as a leader, you don’t have all the answers. While traditional views of leadership may emphasize authority and expertise, modern leaders who embrace intellectual humility can foster deeper respect and collaboration within their teams.
A leader with intellectual humility acknowledges the limits of their knowledge and expertise. This doesn’t mean undermining their own abilities but rather being honest about areas where they can learn from others. By doing so, you create an environment where team members feel valued for their skills and insights, knowing that their contributions can make a significant impact.
When you demonstrate intellectual humility, you empower your team. Instead of pretending to have all the answers or making decisions unilaterally, you actively seek input, listen to diverse perspectives, and make informed choices based on the collective knowledge of your team. This approach not only improves decision-making but also builds a culture of trust. Team members see that you value their expertise, making them more likely to engage, contribute, and take ownership of outcomes.
Ultimately, intellectual humility strengthens relationships. It shifts the leadership dynamic from one of command and control to one of mutual respect and collaboration. By leveraging the diverse skills and knowledge of your team, you not only enhance problem-solving but also cultivate a culture of shared success. In return, your team will likely have more respect for you as a leader because you’ve shown that you respect and value them first.
Gary Edwards
Owner, Voceer
Model Accountability by Admitting Mistakes
The most important way I try to set a positive example for my team is to admit my mistakes. It can feel vulnerable for a CEO to do so, but it is necessary for a healthy, transparent work environment.
I hope that my employees will also take ownership of their mistakes by following my example. Plus, by modeling accountability, I ensure that employees will come to me faster with problems rather than try to hide mistakes if they are afraid of consequences. Modeling healthy communication has created better communication overall within our team and improved productivity.
David Holman
CMO, Textun
Cultivate Trust with Transparency and Communication
One specific way I set a positive example for my team is by actively practicing transparency and open communication. I make it a point to share not only successes but also challenges or difficult decisions the company may face. Whether through regular team meetings or one-on-one check-ins, I ensure that everyone feels informed and understands the ‘why’ behind our actions. This openness encourages trust and fosters a culture where team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas, concerns, or feedback.
By demonstrating transparency, I also show that it’s okay to be honest about uncertainties or obstacles, which helps build resilience and collaboration within the team. When employees see that I’m open and communicative, it sets the tone for them to do the same, leading to a more cohesive, motivated, and engaged team environment.
Tanya Lamont
CEO, Conversational
