People Are Watching You: Leading by Example by Cindy Stradling CSL, CPC
Leadership is as much about action as it is about words. That is why the old saying “People are watching you” holds a deep truth: leaders set the standard not only through what they say but through everything they do. Walking the talk is, therefore extremely important if you want to establish trust, credibility, and a strong organizational culture.
Employees often model their behaviour on what they see their leaders doing. When leaders act in line with their stated values and expectations, it sends a powerful message about what is truly important. For example, a leader who regularly states that punctuality is important and then arrives late every second day undermines that value immediately.
Leading by example means that daily choices matter -from how you communicate to how you handle pressure or setbacks. Consistency between words and action creates a stable environment where people know what to expect. This clarity benefits both engagement and accountability.
When leaders demonstrate humility, admit their mistakes, and take responsibility openly, they encourage others to do the same. This honesty nurtures psychological safety, allowing employees to freely innovate and take risks without fear of blame.
The opposite is also true. When leaders fail to align their behaviours with their message, it starts eroding trust. Inconsistent leaders breed make workers skeptical and hinder motivation. Teams may even start to disengage when they perceive double standards or lack of transparency.Being aware of the messages your actions send is, therefore, an ongoing responsibility. Small acts, like following through on commitments, treating everyone respectfully, and showing genuine interest, will over time accumulate into a reputation of integrity.
In today’s interconnected world, where leaders’ actions are often visible widely and instantly, authenticity is paramount. People expect leaders to embody the values they promote.
Specific habits that help leaders maintain authenticity in their daily behaviour
Maintaining authenticity as a leader requires consistent habits that are grounded in self-awareness and integrity. One important habit is to practise active listening, i.e. truly listening to other people’s perspectives before responding. This helps to ensure that decisions and actions are thoughtful and inclusive.
Leaders who commit to transparent communication build trust by sharing honest information, even when it’s difficult. Reflecting daily on decisions and interactions helps leaders to stay aligned with their values and to recognize areas where they may have fallen short.
Following through on promises is also very important because reliability strengthens authenticity. Leaders also benefit from seeking regular feedback because that is an indication of openness to growth. Showing vulnerability by admitting mistakes and learning from them humanizes leadership and helps to create bonds.
Another habit is setting boundaries that reflect personal and professional priorities, avoiding over commitment or inconsistency. These habits create a consistent, authentic presence that inspires confidence and respect across teams and organizations