More Than a Title: The Foundational Impact of a Founder's Actions - The newsletter for Innovative Leaders - Friday May 12 - 2023
The critical role of a founder in demonstrating the values and behaviors that define a company
How to Lead by Example as a Founder
As a founder, you hold a unique position in your organization. Your actions, decisions, and behavior are viewed differently than anyone else's, even if you don't hold a high-ranking role.
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This means that leading by example is particularly important for founders. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of leading by example and provide some practical tips on how to do it effectively.
1. Relationships:
Consider the types of relationships you want to see within your company. Do you want people to hang out with each other on the weekends, foster open communication, or maintain a more professional distance? As a founder, you need to model these relationships first. If you want others to follow suit, make sure you're setting the right example.
2. Work Ethic:
Your work ethic sets the tone for the entire organization. If you leave work early every day, your employees may follow your lead. Similarly, the quality of your work and the standards you uphold will be mirrored by your team members. To maintain high standards, make sure you're leading by example in your own work.
3. Culture:
Company culture is what happens when you're not in the room. If you want a culture of open communication, make sure you're not talking negatively about others behind their backs. If you want a culture of hard work, be the first one in and the last one out. Remember, your actions will set the tone for the company culture.
4. Rules:
As a founder, you have the power to establish company rules. For instance, consider travel policies. If you always stay in five-star hotels, your employees may assume it's okay to spend lavishly on company trips. Make sure your actions align with the rules you want to establish.
As a founder, leading by example is crucial.
By setting the right tone in relationships, work ethic, culture, rules, and interactions with vendors, you can establish a strong foundation for your company. Remember, your actions speak louder than your words, so make sure you're modeling the values and behaviors you want to see in your organization.
This canvas was used to help founders in a Leadership Bootcamp to find their way of leading by example.
Explore more about the canvas and leadership education through leadership canvases at SUCCEED
Have questions?
Feel free to reach out I am happy to help.
Podcasts to innovate:
EP 212: Human Centered Leadership Jem Fuller
Jem Fuller has lived a colorful, global life. From barefoot backpacker to corporate leader, fire-dancer and traditional tattooist, kindergarten teacher to motorcycle courier, masseuse and reflexology to laborer and travel consultant.
Now his time is as partner and father, coach, facilitator and retreat leader. He is the author of the recently published book, The Art of Conscious Communication for Thoughtful Men, and can be seen delivering his TEDx talk on YouTube.
Learn more about our conversation in the podcast episode.
Videos that touched a nerve:
Marley Matlin Amy Award winning actor had an amazing dad.
Watch the clip where Bryan Gillette explained what he learned from her.
Have a fantastic weekend and don’t forget to Innovate the human way
Jens
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