Modeling the Way: What Are Our Actions Really Saying?

As I've been writing my book, The Myrtle Model: Leading with Clarity, I've found myself spending a lot of time thinking about the individual components of the model and what they look like in everyday leadership.

I'm starting with the M: Model the Way.

At first glance, this one seems pretty straightforward. We've all heard the phrase “lead by example.” But the more I think about it, the more I realize there's something worth exploring: how often do we stop to consider the example we're actually setting?

Imagine you're a manager who asks an employee to prepare a 10-minute presentation for the next team meeting. The employee sets aside time to prepare, organizes their thoughts, and gets ready to share their work.

But over the past few weeks, you've had to cancel the last three team meetings because other priorities came up.

It's understandable. Work gets busy, priorities shift, and sometimes things happen that are outside our control.

Still, I wonder what that experience might feel like for the employee.

Would they approach the next presentation with the same enthusiasm? Might they wonder whether the meeting will happen this time? Or could they begin to question how much value is placed on the time and effort they're investing?

There isn't necessarily one right answer. Every employee and every situation is different. But it's an interesting thing to consider.

Our intentions and the experiences we create for others don't always line up.

We may fully intend to support our teams, value their contributions, and create an environment where people can do their best work. Yet, in the middle of competing priorities and busy schedules, our actions may tell a slightly different story.

That doesn't make us bad leaders. It makes us human.

The opportunity is in recognizing the gap between the environment we want to create and the one our everyday actions might be creating.

What if modeling the way isn't about having all the answers or getting everything right? What if it's about being willing to pause, reflect, and make small adjustments when we recognize an opportunity to do better?

Maybe it's following through on a commitment. Maybe it's acknowledging when we've disrupted someone else's plans. Or maybe it's taking a moment to consider how our decisions affect the people who depend on us.

Small actions can shape everyday experiences at work. Over time, those experiences help influence how people perceive their leaders, their teams, and the environment they're part of.

As I continue exploring the MYRTLE Model, I'm reminded that leadership development isn't just about learning new strategies to use with others. It's also about being willing to look at ourselves.

So, I'll leave you with a question I've been asking myself:

What is one small way I can model the kind of leadership I want to see this week?

I'd love to hear your thoughts. What does modeling the way look like to you?

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