Great leaders don’t lead by example, they lead with experience

When it comes to leadership, “leading by example” has been sold as a cornerstone of effective management but despite its overhall acceptance and theoretical appeal, leading by example often falls short in practice.

Leading by example involves leaders embodying the behaviors, attitudes, and work ethic they wish to see in their team. While this method aims to inspire and motivate through visible actions, it often falls short due to diverse team motivations, perception gaps, insufficient visibility, inconsistent behaviors, and structural constraints within organizations.

Great leaders lead by experience

Leading by experience focuses on leveraging a leader’s personal history of successes and failures to provide practical, relatable guidance. This approach enhances credibility and trust, as leaders sharing their experiences are seen as more authentic and relatable.

It offers practical insights, turning abstract principles into concrete lessons that team members can apply. Additionally, leading by experience fosters empathy and connection, as leaders who openly discuss their…