5 ways successful bosses lead by example

From: http://www.bizjournals.com/boston/news/

Leadership by example is often mentioned as an important business success factor, not only in the short term but also for its effect on the development of future leaders.

With that degree of potential impact at stake, it’s worth the time to take a look at what leading by example entails.

Here are five traits of successful leaders by example:

1. People like to follow leaders who roll up their sleeves and are willing to get in the trenches with them

They are more apt to follow these people than those who bark orders at them and are too removed from the fray.

But there’s a limit to how much time you should spend in the trenches — too much time there and you’ll get bogged down in the minutiae. When you’re in the weeds, everything is urgent and transactional, keeping you from your strategic role.

2. Leaders must be able to delegate, taking the longer-term view described in the old example of teaching people how to fish versus giving them a fish

Delegating and empowering staff shows them you trust them to go forward without you looking over their shoulders, although you are always there as a coach and team leader. Just remember to “inspect what you expect” because as the leader, you are still accountable for the team’s results!

3. Give your team what they need to succeed

I grew up hearing from my father and grandfather that I should hire people better than I was (especially in areas where I wasn’t strong) and then treat and pay them well and let them do what they do best.

So it’s still a calculated hire, but you demonstrate strong management skills by letting them do what they do best without micromanaging them. My take on that also includes informing and communicating with them consistently.

4. With empowerment should come collaboration, both between teams and among team members

People want to be engaged and have a sense of security, knowing they can move forward in a positive climate, being allowed to add their thoughts and even make mistakes along the way without fear of reprisals. The outcomes for your organization include better productivity and higher employee and client satisfaction.

5. Leaders follow Golden Rule concepts

Leaders who understand the power of their example treat coworkers at all levels with respect, mentor and coach people, seize and take advantage of teachable moments, show up on time and take responsibility for their actions. They show empathy, passion, integrity and compassion.

There’s a lot being written about how to manage millennials, Gen Xers and baby boomers, but I think most of us developed our leadership styles through our family upbringing and the mentors we’ve been fortunate to have. However, the culture of your organization plays a significant role as you observe successful peer and group behaviors.

But don’t worry if you lacked positive models in the past or feel that your style isn’t consistent with that of your current organization. If you like and respect your organization, realize that you can modify your style by observing and modeling successful behaviors of your peers and the group. You may find you like your new style — and your team members do as well!