Managers who lead by example are known to raise employee morale and productivity. On the other hand, when managers do not set a good example, they foster a toxic working environment. If you want to be a successful manager, you must understand the importance of leading by example.
Leaders must provide an example of acceptable behavior that reflects their core values. You have the opportunity to impact a persons’ day in a positive way to set them up for success. A lot of managers display certain toxic behaviors and then when their employees’ mirror that behavior, it is unacceptable which is very confusing for them.
Mediate Conflict on Your Team
One of the most important skills that you need to show your employees is how to manage and resolve conflict. If you leave them to resolve conflict on their own, then that conflict will never be resolved and toxicity will fester on your team.
To resolve conflict effectively, you need to mediate a conversation with everyone involved. Show them how to have a constructive conversation. Do not go into the conversation with your mind already made up. Your aim is not to get your employees to do whatever you want. You need to allow each person time to speak and let the team come up with a solution.
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Actions speak louder than words and as a leader, it is important for you to hold up your end of the bargain. If you promise to provide your employees with the support that they need to be successful and then you fail to do so, this will make them not trust you. A lack of trust on your team will reflect in a high turnover rate and lower productivity.
An example of this happens during awareness months for marginalized groups. If your company uses their employees to make themselves look good during awareness campaigns but then allows unconscious bias and discrimination to run rampant, this is a clear sign that your employees are not set up for success and you will lose talent.
People Work With You, Not For You
Something that changed the game for me as a leader was when I changed my mindset from “people work for me” to “people work with me”. Treat your employees as equals, value their opinions, and allow them to work together to achieve innovation. This will go a long way to build trust on your team.
When you lead by example, you will support a positive working environment where your employees can grow and thrive. This will improve employee morale as they will feel completely supported and encouraged to do their best every day.
Leading By Example – Courses on Pluralsight
You can learn more about about this topic in my Pluralsight course, Managing Technical Professionals. This course includes animated scenario-based training and you will watch as a management team uses leadership best practices to help you get your employees to perform at their highest potential. When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have the skills that you need to provide a positive and productive working environment as well as attract and retain top talent. Click the button below to get started with a free trial today!