Career NorthStar News - Issue 3: Modeling Good Behavior
- jessica9071
- Nov 10
- 3 min read
One of the most beautiful and sometimes challenging parts of life is the variety of people you’ll cross paths with. Some will uplift you, inspire you beyond measure, and help you grow into a better version of yourself. Others will disappoint you - and chances are, you’ve met someone like that.
The same is true for leaders in the workplace. You’ll encounter the exceptional ones: the kind who stand in front of you when you need protection, beside you when you need support, and behind you when it’s time to celebrate the team’s success. They give you their all, and you feel every bit of it.
And then there are the others. The ones whose behavior makes you question the title “leader” altogether. Maybe “manager” is a more fitting term. We explored the impact of weak leadership in our previous newsletter, Honesty, Transparency, and Trust. If you’ve ever worked under a “leader” who lacks strength and offers zero inspiration, you know how draining it can be. It’s emotionally exhausting.
So, if any of this sounds and feels familiar to you, the question becomes: What can you do about it?
If you’ve been following us, you know we’ve spent time unpacking the complexities of workplace dynamics and sharing practical strategies for navigating them. But there’s one approach that deserves a closer look especially when leadership feels absent or ineffective: modeling good behavior.
You might be thinking to yourself, “But, what’s the point” or “I’m just one person - can I really make a difference?” The point is: Culture and strong leadership aren’t just important - they’re everything. And yes, you absolutely can make a difference.
Leadership starts with you. When you consistently model the behavior you believe in, you’re not just doing the right thing - you’re defining your values and shaping the kind of leader you want to be. And it’s contagious. Positive actions set the tone. When others watch you lead with integrity and empathy, they’re inspired to follow your lead. That’s how culture shifts from the inside out, one person at a time.
Sometimes the most powerful influence comes from those who choose to lead without a title. Leadership isn’t about hierarchy or a job description - it’s about consistency, character, and how you show up for others day in and day out. It’s about earning trust through your actions, not your position. It’s about being reliable and creating a safe space for your team.
Modeling good behavior means being transparent, investing in the people around you, and treating shared information with care. It means honoring the trust others place in you even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable.
Trust is built in the small, quiet moments. In the one-on-one conversations where you listen more than you talk and without judgment. In how you show up not just in meetings, but in the check-ins and behind-the-scenes moments. When you invest in and truly care for those around you, something powerful happens: people start coming to you. They’ll seek your perspective, ask for your help, and invite you into meaningful work because they trust you. That’s when opportunities begin to find you.
When you lead through your actions, especially in the absence of strong formal leadership, you create a ripple effect. One that lifts up everyone around you, including yourself. You foster connection, spark collaboration, and help others feel safe enough to do the same. That’s how real growth happens. That’s how culture shifts. And that’s how you become the kind of leader people remember not because of your title, but because of how you made them feel.
Have a question or comment? Drop it in the comment section. We would love to hear from you!
-Jessica (Bridget and AL)
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