6 Tips to Model the Way

Effective Leaders are Committed to Acting on Their Values

Great leaders know that others observe what they do and say, every day. Each interaction you have with a teammate, client—or anyone—is a powerful opportunity to show others the leadership behaviors and values you believe in.

It may be more challenging to actively demonstrate your values when working remotely, interacting virtually, or in a hybrid workplace, but with practice, you can find ways to do it.

What does it mean to Model the Way? It’s the act of authentically embracing and displaying your values to those around you.

Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner, authors of The Leadership Challenge, have shown how leaders can practice leadership behaviors to become more successful, improve employee engagement, and increase their organization’s financial performance. Learning how to Model the Way is just one part of the equation for leaders hoping to improve their leadership skills, but it is a crucial first step.

Two critical aspects of how leaders should Model the Way even when remote:

• Clarify values: Be clear about your values and the organization’s values so others can see why you do what you do (it may be harder to see virtually!)
• Set the example: Show your values in how you talk and act to establish credibility and authenticity as a leader
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6 Tips to Model the Way

1. The first step is to discover your values. Think deeply about what is important to you and what you firmly believe in both inside and outside of your work. Has anything shown up as more important to you and your why while working and leading remotely?
2. When you’ve identified what is important to you, compare how it relates to the organization’s values. Where do they overlap? Where do they differ?
3. Identify ways to express what is important to you, honestly and authentically. Talking about your values with others opens the door for them to express their values.
4. Now, think about those around you. Ask your coworkers, direct reports, or manager about their values. Understanding their values and how they impact the team’s values is the stepping stone to respecting and representing others as a leader.
5. Once you have identified your values, the values of those around you, and the team’s values, display those values in your words, choices, and actions and give your team opportunities to show their values in their work.
6. Hold the team and yourself accountable for upholding those values each day. Recognize team members who display the team’s shared values in their work. 

To reflect on whether you are embracing values-based leadership, set aside time each day or each week to ask yourself the following questions.

Questions to ask yourself as you improve on Model the Way:

• How did I talk about my values and beliefs with others today?
• Did I act on those values and beliefs in my interactions with others?
• Did I thank or recognize others who demonstrated their personal values?
• Did I set an example for how others at our company should act?
• Did I champion someone for espousing the organization’s values as well as their own?
• Did I follow through on what I committed to doing?
• Did I share stories with others about how people within our organization are exceptionally displaying company values?

It takes time for leaders to learn how to Model the Way, especially as they are working to form a new habit and especially if they are adapting to new working situations. It takes effort and time to improve, but practice makes a leader. If your leaders need guidance and a structure to practice, they can attend one of our upcoming The Leadership Challenge^® Public Workshops. 

And remember. Don’t just think or talk about your values, live them!

Photo by Iker Urteaga on Unsplash