Leadership Skills Expand Through Example and Action

When reading about leadership, you've probably noticed the word "practice" comes up frequently. It's the term many leaders use to describe two important concepts: What they do and how they improve. 

Practice is how you get better at anything. It's like golf. Just like there's no such thing as a born golfer, there are no born leaders. It takes observation, reflection, dedication and persistence, but your leadership skills will continue to improve it as long as you stick with it.

Practicing leadership might not seem as straightforward as practicing golf, but there are more similarities than you might think. For instance, there are two key elements to both - action and example.

Getting an Example

An example is an extremely potent resource and it's one you already have. For example, if you've been out on a golf course, then you've probably seen someone swing a club. If you're in a leadership position, chances are you've observed previous bosses. In almost any role in your life, you have a reference point. Your job will be using those examples to make sure your team can achieve success.

Setting an Example

To start leading by action and example, your first step will be to develop and share a set of guidelines, which will lead you to the success you've envisioned. In short, you need to create a company culture.

When you put your culture into action, the roles reverse. You'll still be watching and listening. However, you'll also be establishing yourself as the role model: setting an example. You don't need to overthink this. In fact, it's best to simply act in accordance with the culture you've worked so hard to create.

Leading with Action

Setting an example as a leader means enacting your company's culture. If you're creating a culture of creativity, enact innovative policies and reward independent thinking. If you want a more open, communicative environment, actively listen and give appropriate amounts of feedback.

Your team members will start to own and embody the company culture on their own, but they need you to be the first to act. Before setting an example, all team members have are words and ideas. Afterward, they have a role model. Once people begin to emulate you — and they will — your example will multiply exponentially throughout your organization.

Staying on Track

It all comes back to practice. As you probably realize, performing a single example is not going to be enough.

Practicing leadership means constantly improving your skills by following good examples. It means acting out the great leadership that others have demonstrated. Just like taking tips from someone else's golf swing, it's an essential part of improvement.