Leadership isn’t about telling people what to do—it’s about showing them how it’s done. The most influential leaders lead by example, demonstrating the values, work ethic, and mindset they expect from others.
At the same time, effective leadership requires responsible use of power and influence. Leadership isn’t about control; it’s about empowering others, earning trust, and guiding people in the right direction.
In this installment of the Transformational Leadership Series, we’re diving into two key principles that separate true leaders from those who just hold titles:
· Principle 3: Leading by example
· Principle 4: Using authority and influence with integrity
Let’s break them down and explore how to apply them to your leadership journey.
Principle 3: True leadership lies in leading by example—if you’re not modeling it, you’re not leading.
What This Means
You can’t expect commitment, discipline, and integrity from others if you don’t demonstrate those qualities yourself. Leadership isn’t about saying the right things—it’s about doing the right things consistently.
Think of a leader you admire. Why do you respect them? It’s likely because they walk the talk. They don’t just set expectations for others; they live those expectations themselves.
If you want a high-performance team, be the hardest worker in the room. If you want trust and respect, be transparent and honest. If you want a culture of accountability, hold yourself accountable first.
People don’t follow words—they follow actions.
How to Implement
1. Examine Your Own Behavior: Ask yourself, “Am I setting the standard I expect from others?” If not, adjust your actions.
2. Be Consistent in Your Values: Your team should never wonder what you stand for. Show up with integrity and lead with consistency.
3. Own Your Mistakes: Great leaders don’t shift blame – they take responsibility and use setbacks as teaching moments.
4. Demonstrate Work Ethic and Commitment: If you expect your team to go the extra mile, go the extra mile first.
5. Be the First to Adapt and Improve: If you want your team to embrace change, model adaptability by continuously learning and growing.
Principle 4: Effective leadership requires the use of constructive, positive, and respectful authority, power, and influence.
What This Means
Power is a tool—it can build up or tear down. The best leaders don’t demand respect; they earn it by using their authority to empower, inspire, and elevate others.
Leadership isn’t about control. It’s about influence, and influence is most effective when built on trust, respect, and fairness. The leaders who thrive aren’t the ones who rule with an iron fist—they’re the ones who use their position to create opportunities, guide teams, and bring out the best in people.
Misusing power leads to fear, resentment, and disengagement. Using it wisely creates loyalty, motivation, and long-term success.
How to Implement
1. Use Power to Uplift, Not Control: Ask yourself, “Am I using my influence to build people up, or just to get what I want?”
2. Encourage Ownership Instead of Micromanaging: Trust your team to take responsibility. Guide them, but don’t suffocate them.
3. Communicate Expectations Clearly: Leadership doesn’t mean assuming people know what you want—it means setting clear, respectful, and realistic expectations.
4. Make Decisions with Integrity: Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. Ensure your leadership choices align with fairness, honesty, and long-term success.
5. Earn Respect Instead of Demanding It: People don’t respect authority for authority’s sake. They respect leaders who serve, support, and develop those around them.
Final Thoughts: Leadership is About Action and Integrity
Leadership is a responsibility—not a privilege. It’s about setting the right example and using power wisely.
If you want to be a transformational leader, start by:
✔ Becoming the kind of leader you’d want to follow
✔ Using your influence to empower, not control
✔ Holding yourself to the same high standards you set for others
The next article will continue building on these concepts, showing you how to develop self-discipline and take full ownership of your leadership journey.
Are you ready to step up and lead with impact? Stay with us—your leadership transformation starts here.
Until next time, Keep Living On Purpose!
PS. Stay tuned to your opportunity to pre-register for the Online Transformational Leadership Course. That link will be available soon. To bench your (or others) leadership skills, access our Leadership Skills Inventory-Self or LSI-360′.