What Is One Way Lean-agile Leaders Lead by Example?

Offering specific, evidence-based praise is one way lean-agile leaders can lead by example.

Many lean-agile leaders shy away from offering praise, thinking it will come across as insincere or that it will create a sense of entitlement among team members. But research shows that offering specific and sincere praise is one of the most effective ways to motivate others and improve performance.

When offering praise, lean-agile leaders should be specific about what they are praising and why. For example, instead of simply saying "Great job on that project!" they might say "I really appreciate the way you handled that difficult customer situation. You remained calm and kept the team focused on the goal. That was really impressive."

In addition to being specific, lean-agile leaders should make sure their praise is evidence-based. In other words, they should be able to point to specific facts or behaviors that support their praise. This not only makes the praise more convincing, but it also helps the recipient understand what they did that was effective and how they can replicate that behavior in the future.

By offering specific and evidence-based praise, lean-agile leaders can lead by example and inspire others to achieve great things.

In order to ensure they are leading by example, lean-agile leaders need to first understand the basics of lean and agile methodologies. They need to be able to articulate why these frameworks are important, and how they can improve organizational performance. They should also be able to walk the walk, by demonstrating their commitment to continuous improvement and adaptive leadership.

Leaders need to role model the behaviours they want to see in their teams. This means being open to change, embracing trial and error, and being transparent about decisions. Leaders should also coach and develop their team members, so that they can become lean-agile leaders themselves. By creating a culture of learning and development, lean-agile leaders can ensure that their teams are constantly improving and adapting to change.

Leading by example is the most effective way to inspire workers and build morale within a team. When employees see their leader working hard and exhibiting the behavior that is expected of them, it sets a positive tone for the work environment and encourages everyone to do their best. Additionally, leading by example provides employees with a role model to emulate, which can help to improve their own performance. Finally, leading by example demonstrates to employees that their leader is invested in the success of the team and is willing to do whatever it takes to help them succeed. When workers feel valued and appreciated, they are more likely to be motivated and productive, which ultimately benefits the organization as a whole.