There is nothing more frustrating than a hypocritical manager.  You have most likely had at least one supervisor in your career that created or enforced a rule that she did not have to follow.  But are you perhaps guilty of the same thing?

It does not have to be a monumental, organization-changing rule.  But if you set it, you should follow it—whether you have to or not.  You may have the best excuses and the team may never confront you about it, but you are losing credibility from your team with each rule you break.

Here are 3 tips to encourage you to lead by example:

1. Gain loyalty.  Especially if you are new to your position or company, leading by example is the best way to retain loyal employees.  No one wants to work for someone who believes that she is better than her staff.  And just in case you were unaware, you are not better than anyone on your staff; you simply hold a higher position.  You attained this position for a reason, so show your employees how awesome you are by setting the example that you want to see from them.
2. Enjoy success!  You will be more successful if your team knows that they can trust you.  Leaders who say one thing, but do the opposite are not trusted or respected.  Employees who do not trust or enjoy working for their supervisor are less likely to exceed their job expectations; they will do enough work to fulfill their responsibilities and keep you off of their back.  Employees who believe in and admire their leaders actually work harder, want to please them, and enjoy the success of the team.
3. Gain respect.  You may not have the same responsibilities as your subordinates, but you should still abide by the rules that you set.  Think back to a previous hypocritical supervisor from your past.  You probably followed directions and did what you were told to do, but cursed your boss under your breath for not following her own rules.  Well, your employees are doing the same to you.  Practice what you preach and earn the reputation you deserve.

Your employees observe your actions even when you do not see them.  Without even trying, you are shaping your successors.  If you recognize that you are guilty of insincere or unreliable behavior, fix it.  Admit your mistake to your team.  Promise to follow your own rules.  And then actually do it!  Mold the future leaders into honest, genuine managers that deserve the respect they demand.