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Life Matters: 10 Ways to Lead by Example

17 February, 2022

A whakataukī or proverb in Māori, demonstrates how leaders and workers are both important:

“Te amorangi ki mua, te hapai o ki muri” which translates as :

“The leader at the front and the workers behind the scenes”.

Both need to be working together to make sure all is flowing well.

Good leaders must lead by example. Through their actions, which are aligned with what they say, they become a person others want to follow. When leaders say one thing but do another, they erode trust, a critical element of productive leadership.

But, you don’t have to have the label of leader – Kaiwhakahaere, Tumuaki, Manager, CEO, Team Leader, Executive etc – to be a leader.  Just by being who you are, and using your unique gifts, you may be the quiet leader who inspires others to step forward and achieve their goals.  Here are 10 of the dozens of ways to lead by example.

  1. Take responsibility. Blame costs you your credibility, keeps people on the defensive and ultimately sabotages real growth.
  2. Be truthful. Inaccurate representation affects everyone. Show that honesty really IS the best policy.
  3. Be courageous. Walk through fire (a crisis) first. Take calculated risks that demonstrate commitment to a larger purpose. Others notice this and are encouraged or inspired to be courageous also.
  4. Acknowledge failure. It makes it OK for the people around you to do the same, and defines failure as part of the process of becoming extraordinary.
  5. Be persistent. Try, try again. Go over, under or around any hurdles to show that obstacles don’t define you, your children, your friends, your group or team.
  6. Create solutions. Don’t dwell on problems; instead be the first to offer solutions and then ask others around you for their ideas and possible solutions. This empowers people rather than keeping them locked in the ‘problem mode’.
  7. Listen. Ask questions. Seek to understand. You’ll receive valuable insights and set a tone that encourages healthy dialogue.
  8. Delegate liberally. Encourage an atmosphere in which people can focus on their core strengths.
  9. Take care of yourself. Exercise, don’t overwork, take a break. Playing with keeping things in balance, mentally and physically, for yourself and within your team, whānau/family and friends is what success and happiness is all about. Model it, encourage it, support it!
  10. Roll up your sleeves. Get involved with what is happening with your team or colleagues, pitch in and share the company of others united in a common goal.

A whakataukī or proverb in Māori, demonstrates how leaders and workers are both important:

“Te amorangi ki mua, te hapai o ki muri” which translates as : “The leader at the front and the workers behind the scenes” – both need to be working together to make sure all is flowing well.

Claire Porima Coaching.