‍

As parents, we all know that our kids are like sponges – they absorb everything we do. They watch us like hawks, mimicking our behaviours and habits, for better or worse. As a parent, I learned a fundamental truth that has transformed the way I lead in the professional world: "Kids will follow your example, not your words."

It's funny, isn't it? We don't realize how much our kids are watching us until we catch them imitating our worst habits. Like that one time when you caught your three-year-old trying to make a coffee because they've seen you can't start your day without one. Or when your seven-year-old starts using your favourite phrase, "I need a vacation," after a particularly hard day of second grade.

Turns out, this principle doesn't just apply to kids. It's universal, extending well beyond the boundaries of our homes and into our professional lives.

Employees, Like Kids, Are Always Watching

In the corporate world, employees – not unlike our children – pay more attention to what we do rather than what we say. After all, actions are the biggest sign of our true values and beliefs. If you think about it, a workplace is just like a big sandbox. There are different roles, rules, and we’re all trying to play nice together. But, like in the sandbox, it's not the kid who talks about sharing the most that is the most respected. It's the kid who actually shares their toys.

Let's say you're a leader who often talks about the importance of work-life balance (the corporate equivalent of "eat your vegetables"). But, you're always the first to arrive, the last to leave, and your dinner often consists of whatever vending machine snack you can grab between emails. That’s like telling your kids to eat their broccoli while you’re sitting there munching on potato chips. What message do you think your team is really receiving?

Leading by Example: The Corporate "Show and Tell"

The best leaders understand that they are role models. Their actions set the tone for the entire organization, just as parents set the tone for their household. This concept, commonly referred to as "leading by example," is a cornerstone of effective leadership.

And it’s not just about the big things, like setting strategic direction or making high-stakes decisions. It's also about the small things: how you handle stress, how you treat others, how you manage your time, even how you react when the office coffee machine breaks down (again).

If you want a culture of respect, show respect to everyone, from the intern to the CEO. If you want a team that values innovation, be open to new ideas and encourage creative problem-solving. And if you want to encourage work-life balance, make sure you're seen leaving the office at a reasonable hour, and respect your employees' time off.

Actions Speak Louder Than PowerPoint Slides

So, the next time you're drafting that lengthy email or preparing another PowerPoint presentation to communicate your vision, remember: your actions carry more weight than your words. Before you tell your team to "think outside the box", make sure you're not sitting firmly inside it.

Remember, in the corporate world, as in parenting, showing is always more powerful than telling. So go ahead, lead by example. And if all else fails, remember this: at least in the corporate world, no one is going to mimic you when you're having a conversation with the office plant after a particularly stressful meeting.

After all, employees might be just big kids in suits, but thankfully, they’re less likely to copy everything we do.

‍