Leading by Example: Transforming Leadership
Leadership is more than a title or a role—it’s a practice, a commitment to evolving and inspiring others through action. In the framework of triple loop leadership, the fourth topic, Leading by Example, stands as the most transformative. It challenges leaders to question strategies and assumptions and reexamine the foundational beliefs and values that guide their actions. For me, embracing this principle has been a deeply personal and professional journey.
The Courage to Change
Leading by example involves more than just making the right decisions; it emphasizes a readiness to adapt. This process entails reevaluating both my leadership approach and my underlying motivations. Initially, this was intimidating as it involved challenging deeply entrenched views on leadership, including the notion that having authority equates to always having the right answers or that leadership effectiveness is judged purely by short-term results.
I began asking myself difficult questions: Were my actions aligned with my values? Was I building long-term progress or simply reacting to short-term challenges? These reflections revealed gaps between my intentions and my impact. For instance, I realized that while I valued collaboration, I wasn’t always creating space for others’ ideas to shape our direction. Recognizing this gap was humbling, but it was also an opportunity to grow.
Shifting from Short-Term Fixes to Long-Term Vision
One of the biggest shifts I’ve made as a leader is moving away from quick fixes toward sustainable, long-term progress. In the past, I often focused on solving immediate problems without considering whether the solutions aligned with a larger vision. This approach was efficient in the moment but often left deeper issues unaddressed.
Through adopting triple loop leadership principles, I’ve discovered the importance of pausing to ask larger questions. What does success look like five or ten years from now? How can the actions I take today contribute to a lasting legacy? These questions have helped me focus on systemic change rather than surface-level adjustments.
For example, instead of addressing team performance through additional training alone, I began exploring the underlying cultural and structural barriers that were holding people back. This shift required patience and persistence, but the results have been far more meaningful—improved collaboration, greater trust, and a culture where growth and learning are priorities.
Learning in Action
Leading by example also means putting learning into practice. It’s not enough to talk about growth or encourage others to change; I needed to show my willingness to evolve. One of the ways I’ve done this is by sharing my own learning journey with my team.
When I decided to work on improving my listening skills, I didn’t just read books or attend workshops—I actively applied what I was learning. I started asking more open-ended questions in meetings, taking notes to stay fully present, and seeking feedback on how I could improve. Sharing this process with my team helped me stay accountable, but it also inspired others to reflect on their own growth.
The impact was immediate. My team began to mirror the behaviors I was modeling, and our conversations became richer and more collaborative. It’s a powerful reminder that the way we lead sets the tone for how others engage.
Driving Lasting Change
True leadership goes beyond individual growth—it’s about creating conditions for others to thrive. When leaders demonstrate a willingness to change their foundational beliefs and values, it sends a powerful message. It shows that leadership isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being committed to progress.
In practice, this means staying focused on the bigger picture, even when the path isn’t clear. It’s about making decisions that align with a vision for sustainable progress, even if those decisions take time to bear fruit. It’s about holding yourself accountable to the same standards you set for others, and showing that leadership is a journey of continuous learning and evolution.
Practical Steps to Lead by Example
If you’re looking to embrace the principle of leading by example, here are a few ways to get started:
Align Actions with Values: Reflect on whether your daily actions are consistent with your core beliefs and long-term goals. If not, identify specific changes you can make.
Model Vulnerability: Share your growth areas and invite feedback. This openness builds trust and creates a culture where others feel safe to grow.
Focus on Systems, Not Symptoms: Look beyond immediate challenges to address the root causes of issues. This approach may take longer but leads to more meaningful, lasting change.
Celebrate Learning: Talk openly about your own learning experiences, both successes and failures. Show that growth is an ongoing process, not a destination.
Commit to Long-Term Goals: Make decisions with the future in mind, even if they’re harder or slower to implement. Sustainable change is worth the effort.
My Final Thoughts
I’ve learned that leading by example isn’t about being a perfect leader—it’s about being an authentic one. It was about showing that I am willing to grow, adapt, and stay true to my values, even when uncomfortable.
For me, this journey has been transformative. I’ve seen how my willingness to change inspires others to do the same. I’ve watched as small actions ripple outward, creating a culture of trust, collaboration, and innovation. And I’ve learned that true leadership isn’t about staying the same; it’s about continuously becoming the leader your team—and the future—needs you to be.
What steps can you take today to lead by example? Whatever they are, trust that your actions have the power to inspire others and drive lasting, positive change.