Offering specific, evidence-based praise is one way lean-agile leaders can lead by example.
Many lean-agile leaders shy away from offering praise, thinking it will come across as insincere or that it will create a sense of entitlement among team members. But research shows that offering specific and sincere praise is one of the most effective ways to motivate others and improve performance.
When offering praise, lean-agile leaders should be specific about what they are praising and why. For example, instead of simply saying "Great job on that project!" they might say "I really appreciate the way you handled that difficult customer situation. You remained calm and kept the team focused on the goal. That was really impressive."
In addition to being specific, lean-agile leaders should make sure their praise is evidence-based. In other words, they should be able to point to specific facts or behaviors that support their praise. This not only makes the praise more convincing, but it also helps the recipient understand what they did that was effective and how they can replicate that behavior in the future.
By offering specific and evidence-based praise, lean-agile leaders can lead by example and inspire others to achieve great things.
How can lean-agile leaders ensure they are leading by example?
In order to ensure they are leading by example, lean-agile leaders need to first understand the basics of lean and agile methodologies. They need to be able to articulate why these frameworks are important, and how they can improve organizational performance. They should also be able to walk the walk, by demonstrating their commitment to continuous improvement and adaptive leadership.
Leaders need to role model the behaviours they want to see in their teams. This means being open to change, embracing trial and error, and being transparent about decisions. Leaders should also coach and develop their team members, so that they can become lean-agile leaders themselves. By creating a culture of learning and development, lean-agile leaders can ensure that their teams are constantly improving and adapting to change.
What impact does leading by example have on team morale?
Leading by example is the most effective way to inspire workers and build morale within a team. When employees see their leader working hard and exhibiting the behavior that is expected of them, it sets a positive tone for the work environment and encourages everyone to do their best. Additionally, leading by example provides employees with a role model to emulate, which can help to improve their own performance. Finally, leading by example demonstrates to employees that their leader is invested in the success of the team and is willing to do whatever it takes to help them succeed. When workers feel valued and appreciated, they are more likely to be motivated and productive, which ultimately benefits the organization as a whole.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do lean agile leaders lead by example?
Lean agile leaders achieve leadership by modelling acceptable behaviors. This includes being transparent about their own experiences, implementing empathy into their design process, and focus on the customer experience. Lean agile leaders also champion the growth of others and help them integrate the learners` example into their individual growth journey.
What is agile leadership style?
Agile leaders focus on three things: (1) they create and nurture a culture in which experimentation and learning are embraced; (2) they collaborate with employees (at all levels in the organization) to find common values to create a greater goal for the company and the teams; and (3) they create an organizational structure that reinforces and streamlines communication.
How should lean leaders lead?
Lean leaders must lead gently, by example. This means they should not force their methods on others and instead encourage ask questions, be open-minded, and be patient. They should also make sure that the goal of Lean management principles is being followed, choosing the right tools and techniques for the situation.
How does safe embrace lean and agile?
SAFe embraces Lean and Agile principles through the following mechanisms:
What is the lean agile leadership competency?
The Lean-Agile Leadership competency describes how Lean-Agile Leaders drive and sustain organizational change and operational excellence by empowering individuals and teams to reach their highest potential. They do this through leading by example; learning and modeling SAFe’s Lean-Agile mindset, values, principles, ...
