Surprising Ways to Lead by Example That Most Leaders Overlook

Leadership is often defined by action—how a leader conducts themselves sets the tone for the entire organization. While common advice urges leaders to "walk the talk," too often conventional examples focus on visible actions like punctuality or work ethic. However, the ways in which leaders inspire and influence go far deeper and can be surprisingly subtle.

In this article, you will uncover unexpected approaches to leading by example, rooted in authenticity, human connection, and forward-thinking practices. These strategies are not just theoretical—they are backed by research and exemplified by renowned leaders worldwide.

1. Embrace Vulnerability to Build Trust

Most leaders portray themselves as infallible decision-makers, but showing vulnerability can be a powerful leadership tool. When leaders openly acknowledge uncertainties or mistakes, it cultivates an environment of psychological safety where employees feel comfortable taking risks and offering ideas.

Why Vulnerability Matters

A 2017 study in the Harvard Business Review revealed that leaders who admitted mistakes were viewed as more trustworthy and authentic, leading to elevated employee engagement. By contrast, perfectionism alienates teams and stifles innovation.

Real-World Insight

Consider Satya Nadella, Microsoft's CEO, who famously transformed Microsoft culture by promoting a "growth mindset"—embracing learning from failures openly. His transparent communication helped pivot Microsoft from stagnation to renewed innovation.

How to Implement

• Share lessons learned from your own experiments and failures.
• Encourage team members to discuss challenges without fear of reprisal.
• Model humility by admitting when you don’t have all the answers.

2. Prioritize Mental Health as a Leadership Imperative

While many leaders focus on productivity metrics, surprisingly few foreground mental health in their leadership example. Demonstrating care for psychological well-being can reduce burnout and boost sustained performance.

Facts and Figures

According to the World Health Organization, depression and anxiety cost the global economy $1 trillion each year in lost productivity. Leaders who actively support mental wellness contribute directly to reversing this trend.

Exemplary Leaders

Arianna Huffington, founder of Thrive Global, pioneered the conversation on workplace well-being by openly addressing her own burnout and motivating leaders to adopt healthier work habits.

Practical Tips

• Take regular breaks or promote flexible schedules, showing that rest is not a sign of weakness.
• Share your mental health practices, such as mindfulness or exercise.
• Advocate for organizational policies supporting counseling and stress management.

3. Demonstrate Inclusion Through Everyday Decisions

Leading by example is not limited to grand gestures. Often, it’s the small, consistent acts of fostering inclusion that make the biggest impact.

Why It’s Overlooked

Many leaders claim to value diversity but fail to embody inclusion daily. Inclusion requires proactive behaviors, not just policies.

Insights from Research

A 2020 McKinsey report found diverse teams outperformed homogenous teams by 36% in profitability, underscoring the business case for inclusion.

How Leaders Can Show Inclusion

• Make a point to include diverse voices in meetings and decisions.
• Address microaggressions openly instead of ignoring them.
• Celebrate cultural differences by learning about your team’s backgrounds.

Example

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff is known for reporting on and addressing pay disparities within the company, highlighting his commitment through transparent leadership.

4. Practice Consistent Ethical Decision-Making

Ethical leadership inspires loyalty and trust. Surprisingly, leaders often underestimate the impact of their ethical consistency on team behavior.

Why Ethics Matter

Ethical lapses at the top often seed cynicism and demotivation among employees. By consistently upholding values, leaders reinforce a culture of integrity.

Quote to Consider

As Warren Buffett said, "It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it."

Ways to Lead Ethically

• Communicate openly about decision-making criteria.
• Avoid shortcuts or justifications that undermine ethical standards.
• Address unethical behaviors promptly, including your own when they occur.

5. Invest Time in Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing

Leading by example isn’t only about what you do but how you elevate others. Surprisingly, many leaders overlook mentorship as a way to influence their organization’s growth.

Mentorship’s Impact

Research from the Association for Talent Development shows that mentorship programs improve retention by up to 50% and lead to higher employee satisfaction.

Example

Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, consistently emphasized mentoring emerging leaders and credited it for maintaining PepsiCo’s innovative edge.

Simple Ways to Lead

• Dedicate time for one-on-one coaching.
• Encourage collaborative learning where team members share expertise.
• Celebrate protégés’ successes publicly, reinforcing a culture of growth.

Conclusion

Leading by example is not only about visible behaviors but the less obvious, yet often more profound actions that shape culture, motivation, and trust. By embracing vulnerability, prioritizing mental health, promoting inclusion, maintaining ethical standards, and committing to mentorship, leaders can foster environments where teams do not just function—but thrive.

These surprising leadership approaches require courage and consistency but offer a transformational path to cultivating respect and inspiring peak performance.

Remember, true leadership ripples beyond directives; it resonates deeply when leaders choose to lead from the heart.

Inspired to elevate your leadership? Start with these overlooked yet powerful actions today.