Great Leaders Are Also Great Followers: Why Leading by Example Matters

In leadership, there’s a common misconception that being at the top means always being in control, making decisions, and setting the rules. While decisiveness and vision are essential qualities, effective leadership demands something more profound: the ability to also be a good follower. Leaders who actively listen, collaborate, and embrace the same standards they set for others foster trust, build stronger teams, and drive long-term success.

Why Leaders Must Also Be Good Followers

1. Building Trust and Credibility

The fastest way for a leader to lose respect is to enforce standards they don’t follow themselves. When leaders abide by the same rules and processes that they expect of their teams, they demonstrate integrity. This isn’t just about following company policies, it’s about being consistent in behaviour and actions. If a leader expects punctuality, they should be punctual. If they promote transparency, they should be open and honest with their own communication. This alignment between words and actions creates genuine trust among team members.

2. Encouraging Accountability at Every Level

Great leaders create a culture where accountability flows both ways. By holding themselves to the same standards they set for their team, leaders demonstrate fairness and mutual respect. When accountability is mutual, it becomes part of the organisation’s DNA, empowering team members to take responsibility for their actions without fear of double standards.

3. Strengthening Team Collaboration

Leadership isn’t about standing aloof from the team, it’s about standing with the team. Leaders who are willing to engage in tasks alongside their team members foster collaboration and unity. This approach breaks down hierarchical barriers, encourages open communication, and builds a sense of camaraderie. When team members see their leader participating, they’re more likely to reciprocate with loyalty, effort, and initiative.

4. Remaining Open to Learning and Growth

The best leaders understand that leadership doesn’t mean having all the answers. Good followers listen, learn, and adapt, and leaders should too. Remaining open to feedback from team members allows leaders to gain fresh perspectives, identify innovative solutions, and adapt to changing circumstances. This commitment to continuous learning is especially crucial in industries undergoing rapid change and technology shifts.

5. Demonstrating Empathy and Emotional Intelligence

Empathy is the cornerstone of effective leadership. When leaders understand for themselves the day-to-day challenges their teams face, they gain a deeper understanding of the pressures, frustrations, and needs of their employees. This firsthand knowledge enables leaders to make more informed, empathetic decisions and offer support where it’s genuinely needed. Emotional intelligence strengthens relationships and nurtures a supportive, people-centric culture.

6. Driving Organisational Alignment

Consistency between leadership behaviour and organisational values ensures everyone in the company is moving in the same direction. Leaders who "take their own medicine", by adhering to the same standards and practices as their team, demonstrate alignment between policy and action. This clarity helps prevent mixed messages and keeps the organisation’s mission and values at the forefront of daily operations.

7. Boosting Morale and Motivation

Nothing motivates a team more than seeing their leader willing to engage at every level. It communicates a powerful message: "We are in this together." When employees witness their leaders actively participating in team efforts, it fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose, boosting morale and encouraging everyone to strive for excellence.

Taking the Lead by Following First

Leadership isn’t about control.? It’s about influence, integrity, and setting an example through action. Leaders who also embody the qualities of a good follower are better equipped to understand their teams, adapt to change, and foster a positive, collaborative workplace culture.

In industries where precision, safety, and collaboration are critical, this principle holds even greater importance. A leader who listens, learns, and engages with their team on every level will drive better outcomes, build stronger relationships, and lead with genuine authority.

So, the next time you’re faced with a leadership challenge, whatever your level, ask yourself: Am I setting the example I expect my team to follow?

In the end, the most respected leaders aren’t just at the top, they’re right there with their teams, leading by example.

? 2025 Christopher Lank

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