Why You Can’t Follow Every Leader’s Example at Work

It's natural to look up to those in positions of authority and to strive to emulate their success. However, blindly following every leader's example is not always the best approach. In fact, it can even be counterproductive to your own personal and professional growth.

It can be difficult to navigate through the expectations of others while also remaining true to ourselves and our values. That’s why it's important to recognize that not every leader's example is one that we should follow, especially if they don't share the same values or priorities that we do.

Here are two reasons why you can't follow every leader's example at work, and tips on what to do instead:

Reason #1- Difference In Values

Not everyone shares the same values - this difference also happens in the workplace.?

Take the time to identify your values and priorities, if you haven’t already. Understanding what is important to you is a crucial component in determining what success looks like to you otherwise you’ll adopt someone else’s definition - and it may not serve you well.?

If you value family and personal time outside of work, then following a leader who doesn't share those values may lead to you feeling pressured to compromise what matters most to you. Trying to follow this leader's example could lead to burnout and frustration.

Instead, look for a leader that you can follow without having to compromise on your values, or learn how to set healthy boundaries.?

For example, if you value transparency and open communication, seek out leaders who prioritize those values in their leadership style. If you value diversity and inclusivity, look for leaders who actively promote and support those values in their workplace.?

If you find yourself in workplace situations that don’t align with your core values, it's essential that you have the courage to emphasize what's important to you, set boundaries, and say “no” when something violates those boundaries. It may mean having difficult conversations but it will be necessary to stay true to what’s most important to you.

Reason #2- Unhealthy Habits

Some leaders may not be physically or emotionally healthy themselves, yet they expect their team to follow them without question. They push everyone around them too hard, leading to burnout, stress, and even health problems. I’ve seen firsthand the effects of people working tirelessly in their role because they report to someone who doesn’t prioritize their own health - from not taking days off, to unhealthy eating habits, and worse.?

In these situations, it's important to recognize when a leader's example is not healthy or sustainable and to prioritize your own well-being above blindly following their lead.? While these leaders may have been successful in their jobs, they are not role models for a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Success at work should not come at the expense of your well-being.

Instead, develop your own healthy habits that work for you.

It's crucial to develop your own healthy work and life habits and model yourself after leaders who do the same.?

It's also important to seek out mentorship and support from other people, who can provide guidance and advice on navigating these challenges. I call this group of support my tribe and talk about how important it is to your success in this article.?

Here’s a few questions to ask yourself when considering whether to follow someone’s lead: do they have the life that I really want - beyond the title? Do they have the character that I would want to model??

It's natural to look up to those in positions of authority, but not every leader's example is one that we should follow. That’s why it's essential to choose your role models at work carefully. By doing so, you can avoid compromising your values, developing unhealthy habits, and breaking your back to follow leaders who don't align with your compass at the expense of your own well-being. By developing your own compass for success, you can create a fulfilling and rewarding career that aligns with your personal values and priorities.

Thanks for reading this article! I'm Velera Wilson, a global speaker, author, and consultant on a mission to help women own their worth and increase workplace confidence so they advance their careers and thrive as leaders. Submit speaking inquiries, get a copy of my book, You're Absolutely Worth It, Women’s Workplace Confidence report, or connect with me on Twitter.