What does the term "lead by example" entail?

The term "lead by example" refers to the practice of modeling the behaviors, attitudes, and values that you expect from others. When a leader demonstrates desirable behaviors, it encourages team members to imitate those actions, fostering a culture of integrity, professionalism, and accountability. This approach is effective because it relies on the authenticity of the leader's actions rather than just verbal instructions. By showing how to act through their own conduct, leaders can inspire others to follow suit, creating a positive and productive environment.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of leading by example. Encouraging opinions fosters openness but does not necessarily lead to emulation of behaviors. Creating competition can be motivating in certain contexts, but it often detracts from teamwork and collaborative ethics. Setting strict rules can help establish boundaries, but it does not inherently inspire individuals to adopt desirable behaviors—they may comply out of obligation rather than genuine respect or understanding.