Good example leads to good leadership: 7 tips for successful leadership

Good leadership: Seven tips for successful leadership – What are your goals as a manager? A good example? You want a lot of work to be done within the company. You want great results. But you also want motivated staff, a good working atmosphere and the lowest possible absenteeism.

A simple but powerful tool that few managers use optimally is their exemplary function. The implementation of a good example is often underestimated. What positive effect can your example have on your employees and their productivity? And do you use the power of your example? Read below seven tips that will help you become more successful as a leader.

Quote: An employer usually gets the employees he earns – Walter Bilby

Example function and leadership

 People who are looked up to have an exemplary function. Parents are expected to be a good example for their children so that children grow up to be sensible adults. Politicians are expected to be a good example for the citizens they represent. A politician who is in violation gets more media attention than an ordinary citizen, because of that exemplary function.

As a manager or supervisor, you have an exemplary role within a company. What you say and do is put under a magnifying glass by your employees. You will be watched! That sounds scary, but there is great potential hidden there, at least if you make good use of it: Your good example is a powerful tool to get even more out of your employees. What factors can help you be a successful leader?

Quote: Your good example is a powerful tool to get even more out of your employees.

Also read: Work and private balance 

1. Example in rules

It is a well-known saying: a good example does follow well. The reverse is also true: a bad example … fill it in. Every organization has certain rules of conduct and codes that everyone must adhere to. These rules are designed for order, honesty and peace. The moment someone ignores these rules, dissatisfaction breaks out, which is disastrous for the working environment.

As a manager, if you show that you respect the rules, you show that you think those rules are important. Of course, someone in an exemplary role is expected to respect these rules. But in addition, your employees are more likely to follow your good example. The result: more order and therefore more motivation and productivity within your company.

On the other hand, as a manager, you can also show that you also understand the idea behind the rules by being flexible in applying these rules where necessary. Exceptions confirm the rule, and if you dare to make such an exception at crucial moments, you will enforce respect.

2. Example of communication

Many problems are caused by misunderstandings and unclear communication. A meeting where the action points are not clearly stated can lead to wrong expectations and disappointments. Quarrels themselves. A waste of time, money and energy.

Clear communication ensures that the noses are in the same direction. Clarity above everything. Therefore, give a clear answer to questioning pronouns at every meeting, such as: who, what, where, when, how and why. If someone knows what he or she should do, understands how to do it and why, then he will get much more satisfaction from it and make mistakes less quickly.

3. Example of involvement

Many managers have to make the step from a distant manager to thinking from a team spirit. You can manage a group while you are part of it. Involvement is the key.

An employee who is understood is better off. Of course, it is impossible to keep track of the private life of every employee. Usually, an employee does not expect that either. But a short conversation about the weekend or about the sick dog can make the difference: the difference between ‘He doesn’t see me’ and ‘I matter’. Such brief moments of attention can give a boost to someone’s motivation, making him do the same job with more pleasure. And more job satisfaction leads to more productivity and less absenteeism.

It would, of course, be great if your employees would take over the commitment that you show and show them to each other. Your example of involvement can have a snowball effect, which makes your employees function more like a team.

Also read about:  An employee involved

4. Example in delegation and trust

As a manager, you have a lot of tasks and responsibilities. It is then impossible to do everything perfectly. When are you in your power? Your employees are the answer. Utilizing their capacities and talents helps you to be successful.

First of all, as a manager, you must have an eye for the talent in your department. Which employee has which speciality? Based on this you can divide your work. If you delegate work and responsibilities based on talent, you give your employees, individually, the opportunity to excel in what they can do and enjoy.

But then comes the confidence. If you are going to micro-manage delegated responsibility , an employee will soon feel patronized, especially if he is an expert in this area. It is your job to make his expertise flourish, not to nip any form of initiative in the bud. Good leadership means: putting the players in the right place so that they function optimally as a team. Of course, it will sometimes be necessary to intervene, but a team that is attuned to each other will perform more than it seems possible at first sight. You achieve more with the right delegation and trust.

Quote: If your actions inspire others to have more dreams, learn more, do more and become more, then you are a leader – John Quincy Adams

Does this interest you too? Delegate and let go as a manager

5. Example in compliments

Every person needs compliments to function properly. So give your employees regular compliments. But a compliment that counts is more than just saying: well done! A good compliment is a compliment that shows that you have an eye for what is happening, for what someone has done (well). It is, therefore, more than a reward for one’s work and commitment; it shows that you have thought about someone. A well thought out compliment is a good compliment.

How can you give compliments? Be alert in keeping track of the good performance of your employees. That way you always have potential compliments to hand when you are in contact with your employee.

A compliment can also be useful when giving feedback or criticism. If you first give a good compliment and then the necessary feedback, your employee understands that you not only have an eye for his mistakes, but also for his performance and capacities. He will then pick up the feedback in a more athletic way because he knows he is doing a good job.

A compliment manager makes sure that his employees enjoy their work more happily. More motivation means more productivity and of course less absenteeism. Your good example with compliments can also be contagious: a working atmosphere in which colleagues complement each other and work together better.

Also read: How do you keep employees motivated?

6. Gratitude example

In a company, everyone must do what he or she is paid for and hired for: delivery work, run production. A grateful attitude will make a big difference. It will have a great effect on individual employees and on the overall working atmosphere.

Saying thank you is a way to show your appreciation for someone’s commitment, work and time. What does it start with? Have an eye for what someone does and what it costs someone. This increases your appreciation. A sense of appreciation is a good feeling. The moment you express your appreciation, you pass that feeling on to your employee. Expressing gratitude leads to more team spirit and employees who feel more valued.

It would be a shame not to put into words your appreciation for your employees. Your words of gratitude will have a major effect on the mindset of your employees. The aforementioned snowball effect certainly also applies to gratitude.

7. Example in team spirit and commitment

You expect commitment and team spirit from your employees. Many companies invest in this by organizing company outings and working on team building in other ways. But your good example can also be inspiring.

Of course, none of your employees will expect you to have the same input on all fronts as the other team members. You have a leading role and everyone will understand that. But you can contribute to the feeling of us. Together we work on this project, together we deliver this achievement.

The ancient Greeks knew the concept of Primus inter pares, a leader among equals. A leader who fought with the group, but was still the leader and held higher regard. He commanded respect by working together and leading. The same institution can command respect in a department. It will cause your team of employees to be more willing to go for each other as it should in a real team.

In a team, everyone is important in his or her role. If everyone has that feeling, everyone is proud to be part of that team. Such a team will perform optimally.

Also read: Increase commitment

The benefits of a good example

Your good example as a manager is a powerful weapon, or rather, a wonderful tool to get more out of your organization and staff. You actively contribute to a better working atmosphere, better communication, higher productivity, more pleasure at work and less absenteeism. With your good example, you build a structure that is more efficient and sustainable because everyone is empowered and enjoys working. A good example, a good team. A good example, a good leader.