Leaders are often told to "model the way." I've coached them to do so, too.
Modeling the way means:
setting the example,
leading the charge, and
navigating the path.
Those are solid leadership fundamentals.
But here's what model the way does NOT mean:
Model the way: make a team of your clones
The best leaders set the goals, parameters and metrics, and, whenever possible, provide their teams enough autonomy to get the work done their way.
And when a team member comes to the leader for direction, a leader empowers them and says:
"I have some ideas, but I want to hear your ideas, first."
That ↑↑ models the way of:
- humility (you don't know it all),
- innovation (you encourage new approaches) and
- coaching (you enable others to do great things).
Similar to the "who are you wearing" question heard on the red carpet,
"Hey leaders! What are you modeling for your teams?"
Fabulous Lego stormtrooper mini-figures image by Andrew Martin from Pixabay