[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DavidI.jpg” custom_padding=”0|0px|0|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” min_height=”595.2px” custom_margin=”|auto|19px|auto||” custom_padding=”467px|0px|0|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ text_font=”PT Sans||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” text_font_size=”72″ text_line_height=”1.1em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”785px” custom_margin=”-98px||0px|||” custom_padding=”||168px|||” text_font_size_tablet=”52″ text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Leadership: Witness and Example<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”-50px||||false|false” custom_padding=”149px|0px|1px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ column_padding_mobile=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”0px|auto|0px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”20px||20px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px|||” custom_padding_phone=”” use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”1200px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/david-ivers.png” show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” disabled_on=”on|on|” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”-45px|||||” animation=”off” sticky=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text disabled_on=”on|on|” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ text_font=”PT Sans|on|||” text_text_color=”#02b875″ text_font_size=”20″ text_line_height=”1.2em” header_text_color=”#000000″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”center” max_width=”140px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”20px||0px|” global_colors_info=”{}”]DAVID IVERS<\/span><\/a>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text disabled_on=”on|on|” _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”PT Serif||on||” text_text_color=”#363636″ text_font_size=”16″ text_line_height=”1.4em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”center” max_width=”140px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”20px||20px||true|” global_colors_info=”{}”]David Ivers is from Sydney, Australia. He is a qualified Primary and Secondary School Teacher. In total, he has served on school leadership teams for 16 years in senior leadership roles.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ text_font=”PT Serif||||” text_text_color=”#363636″ text_font_size=”24″ text_line_height=”1.5em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”720px” min_height=”4030px” custom_margin=”-22px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”28px||16px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n \u201cDo. Or do not. There is no try.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n Master Yoda to Luke Skywalker – The Empire Strikes Back <\/em><\/a><\/p>\n The quote from Yoda in \u2018The Empire Strikes Back\u2019 reminds us that to succeed, you first need to commit to something. It makes one wonder where this might be practiced in organizations. How people stand by their organization’s mission, vision, and values is critical. How they live what they preach (professionally, at least) is at the heart of everything. Not just \u2018talking the talk\u2019 but \u2018walking the walk\u2019 is essential if you want your staff to follow you, build trust, and be engaged. The same holds for your customers, too. It may well be that, of all the skills needed in this \u2018AI\u2019 decade, the ability to stand by the mission, vision, and values of the organization, to give witness, is perhaps the hardest skill that employers are looking for. Imagine the CEO of a major car manufacturer driving the competitor’s car to and from work? There is a real disconnect here. In effect, it creates what Anthropology calls a \u2018moment of rupture\u2019, a break from the expected. Ruptures bring change, and if the rupture is significant enough, it can create a cut-switch for the organization, much like a circuit breaker in an electrical circuit.<\/p>\n In 2004, Roger Corbett, then CEO of Woolworths Group Ltd (1999-2006), one of Australia\u2019s largest retailers, wrote an article for \u2018Management Today\u2019. The article focused on leading by example and embodying the organization\u2019s mission, vision, and values. It highlighted the impact of small actions. For example, Roger expected every employee to wear their Woolworths name badge, whether they worked in the head office or in one of the company\u2019s many stores. How serious was he about that? He wore the badge, confident that if he, as CEO, did, others would too. It made people easily identifiable, helped break down barriers, and promoted communication. It was a way of saying, \u2018I belong to this company!\u2019 Leading by example is an effective way to encourage employee engagement. After leaving the CEO role at Woolworths, Corbett became the Governor: Corporate Services at the Reserve Bank of Australia, until 2015.<\/p>\n \u201c<\/em>We are all employees of the business, we all need a job, and we are all dependent on the success of the business. If a boss works harder than anyone else in the business, and sets an example in his own working life and the way he does things, then the more likely it is that his colleagues will do that and the more likely staff down the line will do that. The less hierarchy that is associated with privilege, the more a boss can be related and seen as part of the business, moving around the business with a grasp of what is happening.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Corbett, Roger. (2004). \u2018Leading by Example: Roger Corbett\u2019s Formula\u2019 in \u2018Management Today\u2019 (2004). North Sydney: New South Wales. Australian Institute of Management. p6.<\/p>\n By leading by example, the leader begins to give witness to what the organization is about. They embody not only the mission and vision but also the values. This notion of witness is often found in faith-based organizations, such as Church schools, hospitals, and charities. In this context, giving witness to sacred texts and teachings highlights the importance of standing by what matters. For secular organizations, it means taking the foundational documents that matter: mission, vision, and values, explaining them and ensuring they are understood, and then living them professionally for all to see and follow.<\/p>\n One reason this is so important is that it provides transparency and clarity for your leadership. In the 2022-2027 Strategic Plan from the Los Angeles County Public Works Department, they clearly articulated that their values are the reason for action and, importantly, provide transparency and accountability for what they do.<\/p>\n \u201cValues are the underlying principles through which we act to achieve our Vision and fulfill our Mission. They define the fundamental ethics and behaviors that guide the actions and decisions of the Public Works team. Applying our Values in our actions will ensure shared commitment and<\/em><\/p>\n trust throughout the organization and in our relationships with customers <\/em>and stakeholders.<\/em>\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Los Angeles County. (2023). Los Angeles County Public Works Strategic Plan 2022-2027<\/a>. Alhambra: CA. Public Works Los Angeles County. p5.\u00a0<\/p>\n The statement \u201capplying our Values in our actions\u2026\u201d implies that the values of an organization should be present in the actions of its leaders and workers. This ranges from policy settings through to operational work. It is in giving witness and being a professional exemplar to this, that alignment between what is aspired to and what occurred takes place, and excellence starts to happen. Tom Peters in 2022 noted that \u201cexcellence is the next five minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n (See: Peters.Thomas, J., Green. Nancye. (20<\/em>22<\/em>). <\/em>Tom Peters\u2019 Compact Guide to Excellence<\/a>.<\/em> Washington D.C. USA: <\/em>\u00a0<\/em>IdeaPress Publishing. <\/em>p<\/em>318).<\/em><\/p>\n When this happens, staff may feel they are on the path to flourishing at work. Giving witness, leading by example, and modeling expectations are related actions. They often point to one another and, in turn, create a greater reality. That said, witness is the internalization of the values exemplified in modeling and in being an exemplar. Knowing who the wisdom leaders are who give witness to the formation and development of a community in which these values are shared and experienced.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#f7f7f4″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” column_padding_mobile=”on” module_class=” et_pb_row_fullwidth” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width=”100%” max_width_tablet=”100%” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” min_height=”594px” custom_padding=”0px||0px|” make_fullwidth=”on” custom_width_px=”680px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2-6.jpg” alt=”Two business professionals, a woman and a man, sit at a desk reviewing information on a tablet. Their focused expressions reflect strong leadership, while two blurred colleagues in the foreground suggest a collaborative meeting atmosphere.” title_text=”Two business professionals, a woman and a man, sit at a desk reviewing information on a tablet. Their focused expressions reflect strong leadership, while two blurred colleagues in the foreground suggest a collaborative meeting atmosphere.” show_bottom_space=”off” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ custom_padding=”||0px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ animation=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#efefe9″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Scott-scaled.jpg” alt=”Two men sit at a workplace desk reviewing documents together. One man, with gray hair and glasses, looks at the papers while crossing his arms; the other points at the papers, both appearing focused.” title_text=”Two men sit at a workplace desk reviewing documents together. One man, with gray hair and glasses, looks at the papers while crossing his arms; the other points at the papers, both appearing focused.” show_bottom_space=”off” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ hover_enabled=”0″ animation=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text disabled_on=”off|off|” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ text_font=”PT Serif||||” text_text_color=”#818178″ text_font_size=”24″ text_line_height=”1.4em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”1.2%|10%||10%||” custom_margin_tablet=”|10%||10%” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”0px|||||” hover_enabled=”0″ text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Giving witness to the organization\u2019s values invites everyone, staff and customers alike, to buy into them as well.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”PT Sans|on|||” text_text_color=”#888888″ text_font_size=”12″ text_letter_spacing=”2px” text_line_height=”1.2em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”20px||11.4%|||” custom_margin_tablet=”20px|||” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]DAVID IVERS[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”4″ column_padding_mobile=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”1200px” custom_padding=”0||0px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px|||” custom_padding_phone=”” use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”1200px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ text_font=”PT Serif||||” text_text_color=”#363636″ text_font_size=”20″ text_line_height=”1.4em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” min_height=”2200px” custom_margin=”-73px||11px|||” custom_margin_tablet=”40px||0px|” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”84px||1px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Former High School Principal and the founding CEO and Director of New Zealand-based company Lumina Consulting<\/a>, Andrew Murray, noted that true leaders know how to harness the power of the real change agents, those who lead by example and give witness.<\/p>\n \u201cSome of the best leaders I have seen during my years in education never had a title\u2026They lead by example in what might be the most impact way possible \u2013 modeling\u2026Impactful leaders\u00a0invite you on the journey rather than sit on the side-lines.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Murray, Andrew. (2023). Leadership is Uncomfortable<\/a>. Wellington, New Zealand. Lumina Consulting.\u00a0<\/p>\n What could be added here is that if these hidden, wise leaders regularly lead by example, they have most likely also imbued the organization’s values in their professional lives. They give witness automatically, on many occasions, even by turning up for work, through their gentle, knowledgeable, cheerful, and respected presence. You know when you encounter these people. When you do, you will often use them as a touchstone and be willing to follow them and their example. You will find that you engage with and work with them in a meaningful manner. It is important to acknowledge such people and their contributions to the organization. It is important to have strategies in place for the holistic, integrated formation and development of all staff to keep the witness to the mission, vision, and values alive.<\/p>\n According to leadership consultant Mark C. Crowley, what the research from scholars like Psychologist Professor Amy Wrzesniewski shows is\u00a0\u201cthat employees who feel connected to their work this way\u2014who experience alignment between their roles and their core values\u2014are more engaged, resilient, and willing to go above and beyond.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n Crowley, Mark. C. (2026). This is the Critical Part of Work Leaders Keep Missing.<\/a> New York. NY: fastcompany.com<\/p>\n Earlier, writing for Forbes, William Arruda observed something similar.<\/p>\n \u201cAuthentic leaders don\u2019t just talk about values\u2014 they live them. It\u2019s easy to list operating principles in an employee handbook or display them on office walls, but if they\u2019re not reflected in daily actions, they\u2019re meaningless.\u201d<\/p>\n