Being a good example
Setting a good example for others to follow transforms individuals and managers into leaders. Let us look at specific practices and actions you can take to be the leader that others can look up to.
Let us acknowledge the fact that being a good leader is hard. We have a tremendous number of leaders – most of them? – who are leaders because they were placed in a position to lead and not because they have earned it. As a leader you need to accept responsibility for your own actions and those of your followers and subordinates. You need to be accountable, build confidence, protect your team, and point the right direction to go. And you need to set a good example by being first in line on the journey. Today we will investigate what it means to set a good example by reviewing a series of truths and actions.
Setting a good example means being a role-model and being someone who others want to follow. Frankly, you need to build confidence in your leadership by being worthy of it. It starts by walking the talk and showing others that your words and ideas are good enough for you to follow yourself. You must remember to display empathy and compassion for others by putting your team first. And you must have integrity, admit when you are wrong, and be accountable for your actions.
Walking the talk means doing what you say you are going to do and what you are requiring of others. Commit to a course of action and follow through on your commitments (remembering to learn along the way and pivot as required). Build trust that you keep your word. When you can be counted on to follow through, others will start to count on you without you needing to say anything.
Remember to also have a positive outlook and maintain outward confidence. Until the past few years this one has been a challenge for me; I am someone overconfident, but it had been hard to keep a positive outlook until I started working with someone. Maintaining a positive outlook, without being in denial, helps keep the team grounded and calm and avoids suboptimal performance and wasting energy.
Put in the hard work. When compromises need to be made or tough actions need to be taken, go first and demonstrate intestinal fortitude. Do the toil that is required of us all and do it consistently. Do not shirk, and do not built a reputation for taking the easy way. Also – learn hard. In technology, we consistently need to learn new skills and practices. Show your people the way forward by recommending sites to read, skills to pick up, etc.
Keep the needs of your customers and team first. If something is broken in production, we drop what we are doing and work on that problem until it is fixed. Treat your team this way as well. Servant leadership is a hot topic for a good reason – the best results come from followers who feel cared for and are shown that they matter. I would add that it is more important that you care for the people on your team and make them matter. Remember that leaders eat last (I am guilty of disobeying this in the literal sense in the name of getting back to work instead of standing in line). Ensure your team has the best of everything before you worry about your own situation.
I talked about integrity last week. Integrity starts with doing the right thing even if no one is watching and you are the only person who knows about it. Being a good example of integrity means being accountable for your actions and admitting when you make mistakes. Do the right thing, do not lie, and do not dissemble. Treat everyone fairly and consistently and do not send others to do things that you yourself would not do.
Setting a good example takes fortitude and endurance, but it is worth it. Being a good role model is job #1 of being a great leader, and nerds are so smart and will see through you if you try to fake it. Remember these three things, however, and you will easily improve your standing with your people:
- Do what you say you are going to do
- Care authentically and put others first
- Do the right thing