Leading by Example: How Modeling Wellness Inspires Success for All of Us

As leaders and mentors, we're often the first to offer wellness advice to others, whether it's about managing stress or achieving work-life balance. We recognize the importance of wellness and often discuss this with employees. Yet, we frequently overlook a crucial point of how our actions speak louder than words. Employees will always pay more attention to what we do than to what we say.

If we’re seeking to inspire a culture of wellness in the workplace, modeling the way is perhaps the greatest gift we can give not just to those we lead, but also to ourselves. By embracing wellness practices and demonstrating them consistently, we not only benefit personally but also set a standard for others to follow.

The Power of Leading by Example

As leaders we often find ourselves in a paradoxical situation: we know what our teams need to thrive, yet we struggle to practice those very things ourselves. As much as we preach the importance of wellness—whether it's taking breaks, managing stress, or fostering mental health—our own behaviors often contradict the advice we give. When this happens, it diminishes our credibility and sends a mixed message.

Leadership is not just about directing others; it's about embodying the values we wish to see in our team. Modeling wellness means showing our team that taking care of ourselves isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether it’s taking a moment to pause and reflect, stepping away from a stressful situation to recharge, or prioritizing time for physical and mental health, our behavior directly influences the work culture. By actively engaging in wellness practices and making them visible to our team, we create a ripple effect that encourages others to do the same.

Reflection and Self-Awareness

The foundation of wellness is self-awareness. As a leader, taking time for reflection allows us to understand how our emotions affect our decision-making, how we manage stress, and where we may need to make improvements. When we lead with emotional intelligence and self-awareness, we model the process of healthy emotional regulation, which is a critical skill for our employees to observe and emulate.

Practice taking time daily to reflect on how you’re managing your emotions and decision making. Ask yourself: • How did I react to stress today? Was it productive or harmful? • What decisions did I make, and what emotions influenced them? • What can I learn from today’s experiences to handle similar situations better tomorrow?

Reflection doesn’t just help us grow as a leader; it sets a powerful example for our team. When employees see us practicing reflection and self-regulation, it encourages them to do the same.

Gratitude Journaling: Shifting the Focus to What Matters

In our fast-paced, results-driven world, it's easy to become fixated on what's going wrong or what’s still unfinished. This focus on deficits can erode mental and emotional well-being. One way to counterbalance this is through gratitude journaling.

A gratitude practice helps you focus on what’s going right rather than what’s going wrong. It shifts our perspective from scarcity to abundance, reminding us of the resources and blessings we have. This simple act of writing down things we’re grateful for—whether personal or professional—can increase feelings of contentment, reduce stress, and improve overall well being.

Practice daily journaling:

• Start by reflecting on the small victories or simple joys of your day, from a kind gesture to a peaceful moment, to anchor your attention on what truly matters. • Recognize personal progress, no matter how incremental, and express gratitude for the lessons learned from challenges. • Write down what you’re thankful for, helping to reframe your mindset towards abundance, positivity, and meaningful connections.

By openly practicing gratitude and sharing our experiences with our team, we encourage them to develop a more positive, resilient mindset. Instead of complaining about challenges, gratitude focused individuals are more likely to approach problems with a sense of possibility and optimism. As a leader, this can transform not only our own experience but the collective atmosphere in the workplace.

Show Up for Ourselves with the Same Intensity We Show for Others

As leaders, we tend to show up for our teams with intense focus and commitment. We give our best efforts, support, and guidance to help others succeed. But how often do we extend that same commitment to our own well-being?

To create a sustainable culture of wellness in the workplace, it's essential to show up for ourselves with the same energy and dedication we give to others. This means making time for our physical and mental health, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care. When we show ourselves the same intensity and commitment we show our employees, we demonstrate that wellness is not optional—it’s essential.

Practice asking yourself:

• What am I doing today to prioritize my well-being? • How am I setting boundaries to protect my energy? • What activities recharge me, and when am I scheduling time for them?

By making wellness a priority in our own life, we send a clear message that it’s not just a "nice to-have" but a critical component of success. When we lead by example, employees will feel empowered to invest in their own health and well-being.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

As leaders, we are in a unique position to influence the culture of the workplace. The example we set, especially when it comes to wellness, can have a profound impact on employees’ overall wellness, satisfaction, and engagement.

Modeling wellness doesn’t mean being perfect; it means showing vulnerability, practicing self-care, and leading with authenticity. It’s about creating a culture where mental, physical, and emotional well-being are prioritized and celebrated. When we stop merely talking about wellness and start demonstrating it in our daily actions, we create a ripple effect that impacts everyone around us. Employees who see their leader’s practicing wellness are more likely to embrace these practices themselves. In turn, this creates a workplace where people feel supported, valued, and content. Modeling wellness isn’t just a gift to our team—it’s a gift to ourselves. The more we prioritize our own health and well-being, the more we can show up as the best version of ourselves for others. And when we do, we not only help our team thrive—we also create a more engaged, resilient, and satisfied workplace overall.

So, take a step back, reflect on your own well-being practices, and ask yourself: Am I modeling the way?

Our actions today can shape the well-being of our teams for years to come.

Wanda Cooper, EdD

Workplace Wellness Consultant