Leading by Example: How Servant Leadership Transformed One Workplace
Emily always believed that leadership meant giving orders and setting expectations. As a senior manager in a fast-paced corporate office, she was clear about deadlines, tracked performance closely, and expected her team to follow instructions without question.
But something felt off.
Despite her constant efforts to push for results, her team seemed disengaged and unmotivated. Productivity was inconsistent, collaboration was minimal, and employees only did the bare minimum to meet expectations.
Then, one morning, she overheard a conversation in the breakroom.
“Emily talks about teamwork, but she never actually works with us.”
“Yeah, she expects us to go the extra mile, but have you ever seen her do it?”
Hearing those words was a gut punch. She was leading from a distance, not from within.
Wake-Up Call: The Missing Piece in Leadership
Emily had been focusing on directing instead of demonstrating. She realized that people didn’t respect words alone—they respected actions. If she wanted an engaged team, she needed to show them what true leadership looked like.
Determined to change, she enrolled in a leadership training program that focused on servant leadership and leading by example.
The Turning Point: Walking the Talk
After completing the training, Emily implemented three key changes:
✅ Getting Involved, Not Just Observing – Instead of just assigning tasks, she worked alongside her team, showing them she was willing to put in the effort.
✅ Demonstrating Integrity – She admitted mistakes when necessary, held herself to the same standards as her team, and followed through on her promises.
✅ Prioritizing People Over Power – She shifted her mindset from “managing employees” to “supporting employees,” ensuring her team had the tools, guidance, and encouragement to succeed.
The shift was immediate and powerful. Employees became more engaged, teamwork improved, and a culture of trust and collaboration replaced the previous sense of hierarchy. And the best part? Productivity soared—not because Emily demanded it, but because her team was inspired to give their best.
Your Leadership Breakthrough Starts Now
If you’ve ever felt that your team is disengaged despite your efforts, the answer isn’t more commands—it’s more connection. Learn how servant leadership can transform your workplace.
👉 Join our Leadership Redefined Program and start leading by example today!
Looking forward to helping you step into your full leadership potential.
Best regards,
Checree Bryant
CEO Actuate Consulting
