It’s Monday morning.
You’ve barely had your coffee, and your boss is already quoting Simon Sinek, waving their arms dramatically about the importance of “starting with why.” Inspiring, right? Except… they’ve just dumped a pile of work on your desk that they could have easily done themselves, with a cheery “Can you handle this for me?”
Now, let’s compare that to the Mel Robbins fan who lives by the 5-Second Rule. You know the one. Instead of procrastinating, they’re the person who claps their hands, declares, “Let’s go!” and dives right into the tough stuff alongside you. There’s no lofty talk about leadership; they’re just doing it—and that’s contagious.
Or, think of Steven Bartlett. The way he runs Diary of a CEO isn’t about perfection; it’s about honesty. He’s the guy who shows up, flaws and all, and makes it okay for you to do the same. That’s leadership by example: showing, not telling, how to be vulnerable, persistent, and human.
Why These Three?
Of all the self-improvement, leadership, and thought leaders I’ve read, Simon Sinek, Mel Robbins, and Steven Bartlett resonate with me the strongest right now. Each brings a distinct yet complementary perspective to leadership and personal growth. Simon’s focus on purpose and alignment, Mel’s actionable approach to overcoming hesitation, and Steven’s raw, authentic storytelling offer a trifecta of insight into what it means to lead by example. These approaches aren’t just theories—they’re practical, lived experiences that resonate deeply in today’s world.
Why Leading By Example Matters More Than Ever
Here’s the thing. Great leaders don’t just talk about the values they want to see in others. They live those values, even when it’s inconvenient. And yes, that means doing the dishes in the break room when nobody else will. (Yes, Karen, we all see the mug you left in the sink.)
This builds on something I explored in a previous blog post, “Managing Your Micro-Manager: Leading from Behind with Style”. There, I discussed the art of quietly steering the ship without grabbing the wheel. Here, it’s all about stepping up, walking the walk, and showing your team what’s possible. Different vibes, same goal: empowering others to thrive.
The Sinek Way: Start With Your “Why,” But Show Your “How”
Simon Sinek’s golden circle—the “why,” “how,” and “what”—is brilliant in theory. But in practice, if you’re not actively demonstrating your “why,” it’s just words. Imagine a manager saying their “why” is teamwork, but they consistently leave the team to fend for themselves. Their “how” and “what”? Missing in action.
Leading by example means aligning your actions with your “why.” It’s showing up to the brainstorming session prepared because you value creativity. It’s giving credit where it’s due because you value respect. People will forget your PowerPoint presentation on leadership, but they won’t forget the time you stayed late to help them finish a project.
The Robbins Rule: Count to Five and Just Do It
Mel Robbins’ 5-Second Rule isn’t just about beating procrastination; it’s leadership in action. Leaders don’t wait to feel motivated; they take action, even when it’s uncomfortable. Imagine you’re leading a team. The deadline is tight, the stakes are high, and everyone’s looking at you. Do you retreat to your office to “strategize” (read: panic-scroll through LinkedIn), or do you take a deep breath, count to five, and roll up your sleeves?
The beauty of the 5-Second Rule is its simplicity. It’s not about having all the answers or being perfect. It’s about acting decisively, which gives your team permission to do the same.
Bartlett’s Secret Sauce: Authenticity Over Perfection
Steven Bartlett doesn’t try to be the perfect CEO. He’s messy, reflective, and unapologetically himself. That’s why people listen to him. He’s not hiding behind a polished facade; he’s out here saying, “This is hard, but I’m showing up anyway.”
Authenticity is magnetic. When leaders admit they don’t have it all figured out but are committed to learning and growing, it inspires others to do the same. Leading by example isn’t about pretending you’re bulletproof; it’s about being real. It’s saying, “I don’t know the answer, but let’s figure it out together.”
Practical Tips to Lead By Example
- Do the Little Things: Wash the dishes. Respond to that email. Show up on time. The small stuff matters.
- Stay Consistent: Your team will notice if your actions and values don’t align. Consistency builds trust.
- Be Human: Share your struggles and wins. Nobody expects you to be perfect, but they do expect you to care.
- Take Action: Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Count to five, and go.
- Celebrate Others: Leadership isn’t about being in the spotlight; it’s about shining that light on others.
Final Thoughts
The best leaders aren’t the ones quoting books or shouting slogans. They’re the ones who inspire action through their own behavior. They’re the ones who aren’t afraid to admit, “Yeah, this is tough,” and then tackle it anyway.
So, the next time you’re tempted to share an inspirational meme about leadership, pause. Instead, show up, do the work, and let your actions do the talking. Because in the end, nobody remembers the quote on your coffee mug—but they’ll never forget the way you made them feel.
