In one of the management training that I had attended, it was emphasized that leading by example is the best characteristic of a leader. It simply means that leading the team is showing that you can also do the job (no matter if you are only faking it). The common attitude of subordinates is to have no belief in their boss with the idea that the boss is just lucky to be in that position. But when the boss shows that he can do the job much better than them, the subordinates would have faith in the boss.
When I had my retailing business, I was the one who handled the training of the new employees. I taught them the proper way of prospecting and doing follow ups on potential customers. That's the first impression that lasts because they already an understanding that I, as the boss, knows the job.