Leading by example: why presence matters

In health and social care, leadership isn’t only shown in meetings, reports or action plans. It’s shown on the floor, alongside staff, in the moments where care is actually delivered.

Leading by example is about presence. Being visible. Being approachable. Being willing to step in when the day is tough. Not to oversee or correct, but to support and work alongside the team.

When leaders are part of the team rather than removed from it, staff feel supported rather than scrutinised. They feel safer to speak up, to ask for help and to be honest when things feel overwhelming. That trust and psychological safety have a direct impact on staff wellbeing and help prevent burnout.

This matters because staff wellbeing and care quality are inseparable. People who feel valued provide better care. Teams that feel connected communicate more openly. The environment becomes calmer, more consistent and more person-centred for the people being supported.

Leadership is also reflected in the small, everyday moments. How pressure is handled. How mistakes are responded to. How respect and dignity are modelled, even on difficult days. These behaviours quietly shape culture far more than policies ever could.

Strong leadership isn’t about authority or distance. It’s about influence, trust and consistency.

And sometimes, the most powerful leadership decision is simply choosing to stand alongside your team.