When you lead by example, your team will follow suit.
So found researchers at the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University. In a scientifically-controlled study, they analyzed the relationship between three different leadership models and corresponding levels of employee trust.
According to their findings, personal leadership, or the example that you set, produces significant amounts of trust, especially among lower-level employees. "Relational leadership," the leadership skills that you display when you work with other people, creates the greatest amount of trust. Contrary to popular belief, "contextual leadership," what you do when you provide explanation or clarification, did not affect trust.
So what skills count when you lead? Use their findings as your guide to personal and relational leadership:
• Demonstrate authenticity, expertise and passion.
• Display concern and respect.
• Explain decisions, don’t just present them.
• Listen attentively and actively.
• Look to other people for opinions.
• Show respect regardless of company rank.