Leadership: You Go First
There’s a reason why great leaders are remembered as trailblazers, not signpost-holders. Leadership isn’t standing at the edge of the forest, pointing to the dark, untrodden path, and wishing your team “Good luck!” It’s grabbing the machete, hacking away at the underbrush, and calling over your shoulder, “Follow me; we’ll get there together.”
The truth is, leadership by example isn’t just a motivational poster. It’s the bedrock of trust, credibility, and momentum. People don’t follow PowerPoint slides or mission statements taped to a breakroom wall — they follow behavior. And here’s the kicker: they’re watching yours. So, if you’re telling your team to innovate while you cling to outdated playbooks, or preaching work-life balance while sending emails at 2 a.m., congratulations — you’re setting an example. Just not the one you want.
The Psychology of “Go First”
Why does leading by example matter? Because humans are wired to mimic, not just obey. Mirror neurons in our brains make us apt pupils of behavior. It’s why toddlers pick up their parents’ habits, and employees pick up on their bosses’ energy — or lack thereof. If you’re cutting corners, phoning it in, or shifting blame, your team will assume it’s not just acceptable — it’s expected.
Conversely, when a leader steps into the arena, rolls up their sleeves, and wrestles with the same challenges they ask their team to tackle, something magical happens: alignment. It says, “We’re in this together,” and that’s what turns coworkers into collaborators and strategies into results.
Consider Elon Musk sleeping on factory floors to push Tesla’s production forward. Say what you want about his management style, but it’s hard to ignore the message: when the chips are down, I’m not asking anyone to work harder than I am. That level of commitment inspires a workforce to go beyond the bare minimum.
Words vs. Actions: The Credibility Test
Leadership is, at its core, a credibility game. You can’t buy credibility with a nice suit or fake it with corporate jargon. It’s earned through action, and it can evaporate in a heartbeat. Nothing undermines a leader faster than inconsistency between what they say and what they do.
Remember the boss who rails against lateness but strolls into meetings 15 minutes late with a Starbucks in hand? Yeah, no one’s staying late to meet their deadlines. The same principle applies to broader leadership contexts. Telling your team to take risks but penalizing failure breeds stagnation, not innovation. People don’t do what you say; they do what you do.
Leadership by example isn’t a one-time performance — it’s a daily discipline. It’s showing up prepared, taking ownership of mistakes, and being the first to adapt when the game changes. Leaders who embody their expectations create a ripple effect that resonates across their organizations. Those who don’t? Well, they’re the subject of memes on Slack channels everywhere.
The Courage to Go First
Setting the example requires courage. It’s easy to tell others to embrace change or push through adversity. It’s far harder to step out of your comfort zone and lead the charge. But courage is contagious. When you show you’re willing to take risks, weather setbacks, and keep going, you give your team permission to do the same.
This doesn’t mean you have to be perfect — far from it. In fact, vulnerability is one of the most powerful tools a leader can wield. Admitting you don’t have all the answers, that you’re learning as you go, signals authenticity and builds trust. People don’t need flawless leaders; they need human ones.
The ROI of Leading by Example
The return on investment for leading by example is exponential. It fosters a culture of accountability, resilience, and initiative. Teams with leaders who walk the talk don’t just hit their targets — they redefine them. They’re not just motivated; they’re mobilized.
If you’re thinking, “That sounds exhausting,” you’re right. Leadership isn’t easy. But the alternative — leading from the sidelines — isn’t leadership at all. It’s management, and in today’s world, management isn’t enough. People want inspiration, not instructions.
So, next time you’re standing at the edge of a worthwhile initiative, resist the urge to delegate from a distance. Grab the machete, clear the path, and invite your team to join you. Leadership is going first — not because you have to, but because you’re willing to. And that willingness? That’s what separates the mediocre from the legendary.
Is this thing on? Oh, hi, there, I’m Brian, and in addition to this Medium, I wrote The Main Thing is The Main Thing. Pick it up today!
