If there is such a thing as good leadership, it is to give a good example. I have to do so for all the Ikea employees.

The quote by Ingvar Kamprad, founder of IKEA, highlights his philosophy of leadership through action and personal responsibility. By stating that “good leadership” is about setting a good example, Kamprad rejects the notion that leadership is merely about giving orders or holding authority. Instead, he stresses that true influence comes from demonstrating the values and work ethic one expects from others.

In referencing IKEA employees, Kamprad shows his awareness of the impact his behavior has on the entire organization. As the head of a global company, his actions and choices shaped the company culture, from frugality and humility to customer-centered service. By modeling these traits, he created a workplace ethos where employees could see and follow the same standards.

The statement also reflects Kamprad’s lifelong belief in simplicity and humility, qualities that became central to IKEA’s identity. He often lived modestly despite his wealth, reinforcing his message that success comes from discipline and example rather than extravagance. For him, leading by example was not just a management style but a personal philosophy.

The origin of this quote is tied to Kamprad’s role in building IKEA from a small mail-order business in Sweden into a global furniture giant. He consistently emphasized that the strength of the company came from shared values and teamwork. His words capture the Scandinavian leadership tradition, which values equality, mutual respect, and the idea that the leader should never place themselves above their employees.