Why Leading by Example in the Workplace Matters to Everyone

Learn how leading by example in the workplace boosts trust, productivity, and leadership through effective mentoring

Leadership is more than just a title—it’s about setting the standard for behaviour, work ethic, and organisational values. A survey by ADP revealed that over 1 in 5 Australian workers (21%) feel they lack crucial support from management, leading to overall dissatisfaction. Additionally, the percentage of workers who feel supported by their managers declined from 66% in 2021 to 56% in 2022.

Employees look to their leaders for guidance, and the way leaders conduct themselves has a direct impact on workplace culture, productivity, and engagement. When leaders embody the behaviours they expect from their team, they create an environment of trust, accountability, and motivation.

For HR professionals and mentoring administrators, equipping leaders with the right skills and mindset is crucial. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through mentoring. By fostering a culture of leadership development, organisations can ensure their leaders not only talk the talk but also walk the walk.

This is the essence of leading by example in the workplace, a leadership approach that builds credibility and enhances employee performance.

The Importance of Leading by Example

A leader’s actions speak louder than their words. Employees observe how leaders handle challenges, communicate with colleagues, and uphold company values. When leaders consistently demonstrate the behaviours they expect from their team, they create a culture of trust, accountability, and motivation.

Building Trust and Credibility

Trust is the foundation of any successful workplace. Employees are more likely to respect and follow a leader who consistently acts with integrity and fairness. When leaders align their actions with their words, they establish credibility and reinforce confidence in their leadership.

On the other hand, if leaders set expectations they do not follow themselves—such as promoting a work-life balance while consistently working overtime or encouraging collaboration while being unapproachable—they risk damaging their reputation and disengaging their workforce.

Fostering a Positive Workplace Culture

The culture of an organisation is often a reflection of its leadership. Leaders who demonstrate professionalism, inclusivity, and respect create a workplace where employees feel valued and motivated. By leading with empathy and accountability, leaders encourage similar behaviours among their teams.

A workplace culture where leaders practise what they preach also reduces instances of misconduct and misalignment. Employees take cues from leadership, so when honesty, diligence, and teamwork are displayed at the top, these values naturally cascade throughout the organisation.

How Leading by Example Affects Workplace Productivity

Beyond shaping workplace culture, leading by example has a tangible impact on productivity. Employees are more engaged and motivated when they see their leaders actively participating in the work and demonstrating a strong commitment to excellence.

Encourages High Performance Standards

When leaders uphold high performance standards in their own work, it sets a benchmark for their teams. If a leader is punctual, organised, and dedicated, employees are likely to adopt similar habits. Conversely, if a leader displays a lack of effort or accountability, it can lead to a disengaged workforce where low performance is tolerated.

A survey by Deloitte found that organisations with strong leadership and role models experience higher levels of productivity and job satisfaction. Employees are more willing to go the extra mile when they see their leaders doing the same.

Reduces Resistance to Change

Change is inevitable in any workplace, but how it is received largely depends on leadership. Leaders who embrace change with a proactive attitude and clear communication make transitions smoother for their teams.

For instance, if an organisation is adopting a new mentoring software or restructuring a department, employees will be more likely to accept the change if they see their leaders actively engaging with the new system and demonstrating its benefits.

Strengthens Team Collaboration

A collaborative workplace thrives when leaders are actively involved in teamwork. Leaders who listen to feedback, support their teams, and participate in discussions create an open and cooperative environment. This enhances communication, problem-solving, and overall efficiency.

When employees see their leaders valuing teamwork over hierarchy, they are more inclined to work cohesively, share ideas, and contribute to collective success.

Leading by example in the workplace is not just about personal leadership growth—it directly influences the efficiency, morale, and performance of an entire organisation.

Mentoring as a Leadership Development Tool

Leadership is not just about technical expertise; it requires emotional intelligence, communication skills, and the ability to inspire others. Through mentoring, emerging leaders can learn directly from experienced professionals who model effective leadership behaviours.

For example, a mentoring program can pair new managers with senior executives to observe decision-making processes, receive constructive feedback, and develop confidence in their leadership roles. This hands-on experience is invaluable in shaping strong and self-aware leaders.

Creating a Culture of Continuous Learning

Great leaders are lifelong learners. Organisations that prioritise mentoring create an environment where leadership development is ongoing rather than a one-time training session. A well-structured mentoring program provides continuous opportunities for learning, reflection, and self-improvement.

By encouraging leaders to seek mentorship and offer mentorship to others, organisations foster a knowledge-sharing culture that benefits everyone. Employees see their leaders actively engaging in professional growth, reinforcing the importance of learning and development at all levels.

Empowering Future Leaders

A strong mentoring culture ensures a pipeline of future-ready leaders. Senior leaders who mentor upcoming talent help pass down valuable insights, industry knowledge, and organisational values. This not only prepares mentees for leadership roles but also ensures a smooth succession process within the company.

Empowered leaders create empowered teams. When leaders have access to mentoring and development opportunities, they become more effective in guiding their teams, making strategic decisions, and driving organisational success.

Leading by Example in the Workplace through Mentoring

Leading by example in the workplace is one of the most powerful ways for leaders to influence workplace culture, productivity, and engagement. When leaders act with integrity, uphold high performance standards, and demonstrate adaptability, they inspire employees to do the same. However, strong leadership does not happen by chance—it requires continuous development and support.

For HR professionals and mentoring administrators, implementing a structured mentoring program is key to cultivating leaders who lead by example. Brancher mentoring software simplifies this process by offering an intuitive platform for mentor-mentee matching, goal tracking, and leadership development. With data-driven insights and automated workflows, Brancher ensures that mentoring programs are scalable, effective, and impactful.

If you’re looking to develop empowered leaders who set the standard for workplace excellence, consider integrating Brancher mentoring software into your leadership development strategy. Book a demo today and see how mentoring can transform your organisation’s leadership culture.