You’re the leader, so your job is to tell other people what to do. As if it ever worked that way.

No, you want to lead by inspiration. By example.

Which means that YOU are the first one that needs to change. YOU need to reflect the direction of your organization, and how you want your people to make decisions.

So the tough question is: What are you doing which undermines your message? Are you telling people to be fair and do what benefits the team, yet you show preference for particular individuals?

Do you say that customers should come first, yet make decisions which prioritize money over your customers?

Are you telling employees to use their own best judgment, yet penalize them when they do?

These are the tough, introspective questions which require you being totally honest with yourself. And then change the behaviors which are sabotaging your own success as a leader.