Introduction
Leadership isn’t just about giving orders or setting goals. It’s about inspiring others through your actions and decisions. As leaders, we often underestimate the impact our behavior has on those around us and the broader organization. Today, I want to share a story that illustrates the powerful ripple effect of leading by example.
The Story: The Late Night Email
Sarah had just been promoted to Senior Manager at a fast-growing tech startup. Excited about her new role and eager to prove herself, she dove headfirst into her responsibilities. One night, around 11 PM, she had a burst of inspiration about a project. Without hesitation, she fired off emails to her team members, outlining her ideas and asking for their input.
The next morning, Sarah walked into the office, surprised to find her entire team already at their desks, looking tired but busy. As the day progressed, she overheard snippets of conversation:
“Did you see Sarah’s email last night? I stayed up until 1 AM working on those suggestions.”
“Yeah, I woke up early to get a head start. I guess this is what’s expected at our level now.”
Sarah was taken aback. She hadn’t intended to set an expectation of late-night work or early mornings. She simply had an idea and acted on it. But her actions, as a leader, had spoken louder than any words could.
Over the next few weeks, Sarah noticed a change in her team’s behavior. People were sending emails at all hours, looking increasingly tired, and the once-vibrant office culture was becoming strained. Productivity initially spiked but then began to decline as burnout set in.
It was then that Sarah realized the true weight of her position. Her late-night email, sent without much thought, had unintentionally set a new standard for her team. Her actions, not her words, had defined the expectations.
Recap:
Sarah’s story illustrates a crucial lesson in leadership: every action, no matter how small, can have far-reaching consequences. As leaders, we are always on stage. Our teams look to us not just for direction, but for cues on how to behave, what to prioritize, and what is valued in the organization.
Leading by example isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being mindful of the message our actions send and aligning those actions with the culture and values we want to foster in our organizations.
Questions for Leaders to Reflect On:
1. What unintended messages might your actions be sending to your team?
2. How aligned are your day-to-day behaviors with the expectations you verbally set for your team?
3. In what areas could you more consciously model the behavior you want to see in your organization?
4. How can you create an environment where team members feel comfortable providing feedback on leadership behaviors?
5. What one change in your daily routine could positively impact your team’s culture and productivity?
Remember, as a leader, you’re not just responsible for what you do or say, but for the ripple effects your actions create throughout your organization. Lead thoughtfully, lead consciously, and above all, lead by example.