As an owner or manager of an operation, you must understand the effects of your actions on the people you employ. Former President Bill Clinton spoke in 2008 about leading with the power of example and not by the example of power. Whether you are a fan of Clinton or not, we can all agree that this statement speaks truths about how to effectively lead people to success.

If you expect your staff to maintain professionalism in all facets of their employment, then you should expect to abide by the same standards. A clean work space, for example, is often expected of staff. If you choose to be sloppy with your own work space, but expect cleanliness from everyone else, then you will find your expectations to be a daunting task to maintain.

Use of language is another good case in point. If you want your employees to be well spoken to represent the company in an esteemed light, then you must set the example yourself. Eliminate the use of foul language and increase the extent of your vocabulary.

Perception leads reality. If you want to be successful, then you must first be perceived as being capable of success. Dress for the job you want, right? This applies to entire companies as well.  Set the stage within your company now, to be the company you want to be in the future.

All of these concepts will trickle down from top to the bottom. As an owner or manager, keep this premise at the top of mind. Conduct yourself in the manner that you expect all of your employees to conduct themselves. If you do not lead by example, then you will find your managing duties to be much more difficult than necessary. This is not “do as I say, not as I do,” this is real life. This is the success of your business. This is what will separate you from others that haven’t figured this out yet.