Balancing Leadership: Leading by Example vs. Explicit Communication

Will leading by example be sufficient to influence my team’s actions as I expect, or should I also communicate my expectations explicitly?

Leading by example is a great leadership approach, but it may not ensure that your team members always act as you expect them to. Here's why:

Clarity of what you expect: Setting a positive example with your actions can establish a tone and role model for behavior, but it's equally crucial to effectively communicate your expectations to your team to minimize misunderstandings and misinterpretations.

Individual Differences: People have different communication styles, work habits, and interpretations of what constitutes exemplary behavior. Some team members may not fully grasp the nuances of your actions and how they relate to their own roles unless you explicitly articulate your expectations.

Feedback and Guidance: Leading by example is a passive leadership approach, which can offer inspiration and motivation but may lack the guidance some team members require to meet your expectations. Providing consistent feedback and coaching can help individuals identify areas for improvement and learn how to enhance their performance.

Situational Factors: There may be situations or contexts where leading by example isn't enough. Team members might encounter unique challenges or uncertainties that require specific guidance or decisions from a leader.

Leading by example is an essential component of effective leadership, but it should be complemented by clear communication of expectations, regular feedback, and individualized guidance as needed. The combination of these approaches is likely to yield the best results in terms of ensuring that your team acts in alignment with your expectations.

Written by Steven Schultze