How to Lead by Example: A Practical Guide

Leading by example is more than a slogan; it is a daily practice of doing what you ask of your team. Lechuga explains that the biggest mistake leaders make is demanding accountability while failing to keep their own commitments, a gap that breeds frustration and mistrust. He recounts a manager who constantly complained about peers, only to see those complaints copied by his teams, creating a toxic feedback loop.

The piece argues that leaders must first examine their own behavior-how often they give feedback, say no, and keep promises-because those actions set the cultural tone. Lechuga provides a simple self-assessment exercise: list desired team behaviors, rate personal frequency on a 1-10 scale, and define concrete actions to model those behaviors. This shifts the focus from blaming others to personal responsibility.

Specific examples illustrate the impact: a leader who consistently says "no" to unreasonable requests teaches the team to set boundaries, while a leader who shares learning experiences encourages continuous improvement. By treating others as they would like to be treated, leaders create a memorable emotional imprint that drives engagement and performance.

Lechuga closes with a call to action: identify your own positive behaviors, recognize the influences that shaped them, and deliberately amplify them. The result is a culture where people remember how you made them feel, not just what you said, leading to higher morale, better communication, and stronger team outcomes.