Leadership

Model the Way

To effectively model the behavior they expect from others, leaders must first be clear about their guiding principles. They must clarify values. Leaders find their own voices, and then they clearly and distinctively give voice to their values. They set the standard for living those values with integrity. Exemplary leaders know that it’s their behavior that earns real respect. They practice what they preach. Their words and deeds are consistently aligned. The truth is that you either lead by example, or you don’t lead at all. Eloquent speeches about common values may inspire for the moment but are not enough to build and sustain credibility—the foundation of leadership and the most important personal quality people look for and admire in a leader.

In simple daily acts, effective leaders set an example for others as they Model the Way—from the stories they tell, the way they allocate their time, and the language they use to the recognitions, rewards, and measurement tools they choose. In putting this essential practice into action, leaders build commitment by affirming and communicating shared values that all can embrace and engaging others in achieving common goals.

“You have to make yourself vulnerable. You have to have willingness and a desire to be connected with people. It’s not what I say, it’s what I do that’s going to make a difference.”

Dick Pettingill

former president and ceo, allina hospitals and clinics (minnesota) and a member of

the board of directors of tenet healthcare and mako surgical corporation