Leading by Example: A Guide to Authentic Leadership

Leadership is more than holding a title or making decisions—it’s about the actions you take every day. Leading by example is a simple yet powerful approach to leadership. It's when leaders act in ways they want others to follow, setting a tone of trust, responsibility, and integrity. This kind of leadership is what truly motivates people and builds strong teams.

In this article, we'll explore what it means to lead by example and why it’s so important. We’ll also break down the key elements of this leadership style and look at examples from history and the present to see how leading by example makes a difference.

What Does It Mean to Lead by Example?

Leading by example means that as a leader, your actions match your words. You don’t just set expectations for others—you live them. People tend to follow what they see, and when they see their leader doing the right thing, it encourages them to do the same.

This idea has been around for centuries. In ancient times, military leaders often led their troops into battle, showing bravery and dedication. Today, leadership is less about charging into war and more about creating a workplace where people feel valued and inspired. Yet, the core principle remains: leaders who lead by example create an environment where actions speak louder than words.

Ethics: Doing What’s Right

The foundation of leading by example is ethics. This isn’t just about following the rules—it’s about doing what’s right, even when it’s hard. Ethical leadership builds trust. When people trust you, they are more likely to follow you and believe in your decisions.

An example of this is New Zealand's former Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern. She was known for her empathy and fairness, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Ardern didn’t just tell people to be calm and compassionate—she demonstrated it herself in the way she communicated and made decisions. Her ethical approach not only reassured her country but also earned her respect worldwide.

Being an ethical leader doesn’t mean you’ll always make popular decisions. It means you’ll make decisions based on what’s right, even when it's tough. Your team will notice this, and over time, it builds credibility and a culture of integrity.

Problem-Solving: Rolling Up Your Sleeves

Leaders are often expected to solve problems, but the way you approach this can set the tone for your team. When challenges arise, do you step in and help, or do you delegate and distance yourself from the situation? Leaders who lead by example roll up their sleeves and work through issues with their team, showing that they are invested in finding solutions.

Take Elon Musk, for example. Known for his hands-on approach at Tesla and SpaceX, Musk doesn’t just sit back and give orders. He actively engages in solving engineering problems and pushes through obstacles alongside his teams. While not everyone agrees with his style, it’s clear that he’s deeply involved, showing his team that he’s in it with them.

This kind of involvement demonstrates commitment and responsibility. It shows your team that no problem is beneath your attention, and it encourages them to approach challenges with the same mindset.

Standards of Performance: Setting the Bar High

As a leader, it’s important to set high standards for both yourself and your team. This doesn’t mean demanding perfection, but it does mean being clear about expectations and holding everyone—yourself included—accountable.

A great example of this is Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft. When Nadella took over, Microsoft’s culture was often described as competitive and rigid. He shifted this by modeling a "growth mindset," encouraging employees to continuously learn and improve. Nadella didn’t just talk about learning; he participated in employee development, showing that growth was a priority at every level.

By setting high standards for yourself and showing that you are also striving to meet them, you inspire others to aim higher. Accountability and transparency are key here—if people see that their leader holds themselves to the same expectations, they’re more likely to meet them as well.

Urgency: Getting Things Done

Leaders who lead by example show urgency in achieving goals. Urgency isn’t about rushing or panicking; it’s about being focused and committed to making progress. It means showing your team that their work matters and that the goals you set are important.

Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, often talked about the “Day 1” mindset. He believed that companies should always operate with the urgency and energy of a startup. By embodying this philosophy, Bezos motivated his teams to keep innovating and moving quickly, even as Amazon grew into a massive global company.

Urgency shows that you are committed to the work at hand and expect the same from your team. It helps everyone stay focused and motivated, even when things get tough.

Priorities: Focus and Clarity

Good leaders know how to prioritize. But it’s not just about organizing tasks—it’s about clearly communicating what matters most. When a leader focuses on the right things, the team knows where to direct their energy. Leading by example in this area means showing that you are disciplined about your priorities and that you expect the same from others.

Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo, was known for setting clear priorities. She shifted the company’s focus to healthier products and sustainability, aligning PepsiCo’s goals with long-term trends rather than short-term profits. Nooyi didn’t just talk about these changes—she made them happen, and her actions guided the entire company in a new direction.

When you prioritize effectively, it helps your team do the same. It reduces confusion and ensures that everyone is working toward the same goals.

Cooperation: Working Together

Leaders who lead by example encourage teamwork and cooperation. When you work alongside your team and show that collaboration is valued, it creates a positive environment where everyone feels they can contribute.

A recent example is Jacinda Ardern, who prioritized collaboration during her time as New Zealand's leader. She didn’t just give orders—she listened to experts, consulted with her team, and worked with other countries to solve global problems. This approach fostered a sense of unity and trust among her people, showing that leadership is about more than just one person calling the shots.

Cooperation doesn’t mean leaders have to do everything themselves. But it does mean showing that you value input from others and that teamwork leads to better results.

Real-Life Examples of Leading by Example

Throughout history, there have been many leaders who have exemplified this approach. Abraham Lincoln, for instance, led the United States through one of its darkest times by being honest, patient, and firm in his beliefs. He didn’t shy away from difficult decisions, and his personal integrity set a standard that inspired others.

More recently, we can look at leaders like Angela Merkel, who consistently acted with caution and responsibility as Chancellor of Germany. She wasn’t flashy or overly charismatic, but her steady, thoughtful leadership earned her the trust of millions over her many years in office.

In the business world, Howard Schultz of Starbucks demonstrated how leading by example can build a strong company culture. Schultz was deeply involved in decisions about employee welfare, from healthcare benefits to education support. He didn’t just make policies—he made sure that his values were reflected in the way the company operated.

Overcoming Challenges of Leading by Example

Leading by example can be tough. Leaders face constant scrutiny, and it’s easy to slip up or let stress get in the way. One of the biggest challenges is consistency—maintaining the same standards and behaviors even when the going gets tough.

The key to overcoming this is self-awareness. Leaders need to regularly check in with themselves, reflect on their actions, and seek feedback from their teams. It’s also important to remember that nobody is perfect. When mistakes happen, owning up to them and making it right can actually strengthen your leadership.

Another challenge is balancing leadership with everyday responsibilities. It can be tempting to delegate everything, but leading by example means staying engaged and involved in your team’s work. This doesn’t mean micromanaging—it means being present and showing that you care about the details as much as the big picture.

Conclusion

Leading by example is not about being perfect or having all the answers. It’s about showing up every day, acting with integrity, and being the kind of leader others want to follow. By focusing on ethics, problem-solving, high standards, urgency, priorities, and cooperation, leaders can create an environment where people feel inspired and motivated.

In a world that often values quick results and flashy success, leading by example may seem like a slower, quieter path. But it’s a path that builds trust, loyalty, and long-lasting success. When leaders act with honesty and commitment, their teams will follow—and together, they can achieve great things.