Learn six tips to lead by example and build a culture of integrity as a supervisor, from defining expectations, to modeling ethics, to inspiring others.

A good friend was transferred to a new position in another country. His family didn't join him for a year so that his son could finish high school. As such, he tended to work long hours. As the leader, his employees followed his example and would not leave the office until he went home, despite him telling them to leave. What happens with leading by example is that the leader can't always control how the example is perceived. When you lead, take the time to explain your actions and decisions. Take the time to show that you care. My friend finally found the solution when he decided to leave at 5 PM and come back to the office after his employees had left for home. Sometimes your best efforts at leading by example can backfire.

Humility is an underrated tool in a leader's tool kit. When a leader sets the example by admitting to mistakes, the leader starts to send the message that failures can be a learning experience as opposed to a negative outcome. By doing so, you create psychological safety and increase the chances that your followers will alert you to problems well before they become unmanageable while also improving your decision-making by generating more perspectives.

How can you lead by example to build a culture of integrity?

As a supervisor, you have the responsibility and the opportunity to shape the culture of your team and organization. One of the most important aspects of a healthy and productive culture is integrity, which means acting consistently with your values, principles, and standards. Integrity is essential for building trust, credibility, and reputation, as well as for preventing ethical breaches and conflicts. But how can you lead by example to build a culture of integrity? Here are some tips to help you:

1 Define and communicate your expectations

The first step to lead by example is to clarify and communicate your expectations for yourself and your team members. What are the core values and principles that guide your work? What are the standards and policies that you need to follow and enforce? How do you measure and reward performance and behavior? Make sure that your expectations are clear, consistent, and aligned with the organizational goals and vision. Communicate them frequently and openly, and provide feedback and recognition when they are met or exceeded.

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2 Demonstrate integrity in your actions

The second step to lead by example is to demonstrate integrity in your actions. This means that you need to walk the talk and practice what you preach. Do not compromise your values or principles for short-term gains or pressures. Do not engage in or tolerate any unethical, dishonest, or disrespectful behavior. Do not make promises that you cannot keep or break commitments that you have made. Do not hide or cover up your mistakes or failures, but admit them and learn from them. Do not blame others or make excuses, but take responsibility and accountability for your actions and decisions.

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Michael Bret Hood, CFE, MBA

Driving Boring Presentations to Extinction, TedX Speaker, Adjunct Professor Corporate Governance & Ethics at University of Virginia, Keynote and Top-Rated Speaker
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A good friend was transferred to a new position in another country. His family didn't join him for a year so that his son could finish high school. As such, he tended to work long hours. As the leader, his employees followed his example and would not leave the office until he went home, despite him telling them to leave. What happens with leading by example is that the leader can't always control how the example is perceived. When you lead, take the time to explain your actions and decisions. Take the time to show that you care. My friend finally found the solution when he decided to leave at 5 PM and come back to the office after his employees had left for home. Sometimes your best efforts at leading by example can backfire.

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Jordan Dwight

' An Entire Career Built in the Cleaning Industry. Experienced. Knowledgeable. Understanding.
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It is very important that a Supervisor never requires a cleaning technician to perform a task they themselves will not do or doesn't know how to do. In my capacity as a supervisor, I would always explain and demonstrate how to carry out one's duties. Don't just train them once and expect them to be able to perform the task to the level of a supervisor immediately. Ensure continuous assessment of level of capability until you are confident they can be trusted to perform adequately. Throughout this process, a supervisor should communicate to senior management any developments, good or bad, and the actions one has decided to take. Back your staff during their training period, don't chastise them for mistakes. Take responsibility for this.

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3 Encourage and support integrity in your team

The third step to lead by example is to encourage and support integrity in your team. This means that you need to create a culture of integrity that fosters openness, transparency, and collaboration. Do not micromanage or control your team members, but empower them and trust them to do their work with integrity. Do not ignore or dismiss their concerns or suggestions, but listen to them and value their input. Do not punish or criticize them for speaking up or raising issues, but appreciate and reward them for their courage and honesty. Do not avoid or escalate conflicts, but resolve them constructively and respectfully.

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Michael Bret Hood, CFE, MBA

Driving Boring Presentations to Extinction, TedX Speaker, Adjunct Professor Corporate Governance & Ethics at University of Virginia, Keynote and Top-Rated Speaker
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Humility is an underrated tool in a leader's tool kit. When a leader sets the example by admitting to mistakes, the leader starts to send the message that failures can be a learning experience as opposed to a negative outcome. By doing so, you create psychological safety and increase the chances that your followers will alert you to problems well before they become unmanageable while also improving your decision-making by generating more perspectives.

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4 Seek feedback and improvement

The fourth step to lead by example is to seek feedback and improvement. This means that you need to be humble and willing to learn and grow as a leader and as a person. Do not assume that you know everything or that you are always right, but seek feedback from your team members, peers, managers, and other stakeholders. Do not take feedback personally or defensively, but accept it graciously and use it to improve your performance and behavior. Do not settle for mediocrity or complacency, but strive for excellence and innovation. Do not resist or fear change, but embrace it and adapt to it.

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Michael Bret Hood, CFE, MBA

Driving Boring Presentations to Extinction, TedX Speaker, Adjunct Professor Corporate Governance & Ethics at University of Virginia, Keynote and Top-Rated Speaker
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In an exercise we do in our leadership classes, participants seek out feedback from people around them. When they do, the often learn that things they consider to be strengths, other people consider to be weaknesses and vice versa. If you don't get feedback or the feedback is generically positive, that also might be an indicator that improvement can be made. The key to success is to empower your employees to give honest opinions by not taking any feedback personally. After all, can't we all improve as leaders?

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5 Model ethical decision making

The fifth step to lead by example is to model ethical decision making. This means that you need to apply your values and principles to every decision that you make, and consider the impact and consequences of your choices on yourself, your team, your organization, and your stakeholders. Do not make decisions impulsively or emotionally, but use a systematic and rational process. Do not make decisions based on self-interest or bias, but use fairness and objectivity. Do not make decisions in isolation or secrecy, but involve and consult others who are affected or have expertise. Do not make decisions without evidence or reasoning, but use facts and logic.

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6 Inspire and influence others

The sixth and final step to lead by example is to inspire and influence others. This means that you need to share your vision and passion for integrity, and motivate and persuade others to join you and follow you. Do not impose or coerce others to act with integrity, but inspire and influence them to do so. Do not rely on your authority or position, but use your credibility and reputation. Do not manipulate or deceive others, but use your honesty and sincerity. Do not demand or expect others to act with integrity, but show and explain them the benefits and rewards of doing so.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you lead by example to build a culture of integrity?

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Define and communicate your expectations

2 Demonstrate integrity in your actions

3 Encourage and support integrity in your team

4 Seek feedback and improvement

5 Model ethical decision making

6 Inspire and influence others

7 Here’s what else to consider

Supervisory Skills

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How can you lead by example to build a culture of integrity?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Define and communicate your expectations

2 Demonstrate integrity in your actions

3 Encourage and support integrity in your team

4 Seek feedback and improvement

5 Model ethical decision making

6 Inspire and influence others

7 Here’s what else to consider

Supervisory Skills

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