It takes more courage to reveal insecurities
than to hide them,
more strength to relate to people
than to dominate them,
more ‘manhood’ to abide by thought-out principles
rather than blind reflex.
Toughness is in the soul and spirit,
not in muscles and an immature mind.
How often have you found yourself in the company of a leader who has been successful at talking to people one way about things, while they walk and do things a different way? I would venture to guess that it hasn’t happened very often. That’s because it simply doesn’t work. At least, it doesn’t work in the long-term.
If you are in a position of authority, most especially if you are in a position of authority, it is of utmost importance that you lead by example if you hope to gain any compliance and a consistent following. When principles are taught without the right examples being put into practice, they become meaningless and will eventually fall by the wayside. People will just stop paying attention to what you have to say.
What happens when you don’t practice what you preach?
When you try to teach certain life principles to other people, even to family members, but allow your actions to demonstrate otherwise, you are bound to run into some of the following situations:
1. Resentment. Those from whom you expect to gain the most compliance will very soon grow to resent you. This is especially true if the principles you are trying to teach are a challenge for them to perform.
2. Loss of credibility. You may wind up with a negative reputation, and be perceived as an ineffective leader or teacher as you continue to lose sight of the very actions you are attempting to teach.
3. Rebellion. Cases of rebellion and push-back will continue to grow as more and more of the people you are charged with leading, begin to feel they are being dictated to rather than being lead by.
What are the benefits of leading by example?
1. Support. You gain real support for your principles and initiatives based on results. For instance, if you are teaching about honesty, when people can see for themselves that you gain the trust of others by being honest, they will want to earn those same benefits by being honest themselves.
2. Reinforcement of teaching. People are much more likely to gain full understanding of the principles you are trying to convey if you are doing them yourself. Just telling people about your principles is simply not enough. You must show them. And, in point of fact, the majority of people may form a completely different understanding of what’s expected of them left to their own judgment and devices.
3. Cohesion and cooperation. This is important whenever team effort is required to complete a project. When everyone is on the same page and using the same processes, departments, as well as families, tend to run more cohesively.
4. Respect. When others see that you are fully integrated in complying with the principles you are teaching, you will ultimately gain their respect.
So, how do you lead by example?
1. Outline your expectations. This is the simplest part of the equation. But, even though it is simple, it should not be overlooked because it will help you clarify what the principles are. There is an old adage that says, “Knowing is half the battle.” But in this case, it is the smaller half.
2. Start with your smallest circle of influence. It will take some conscientious effort on your part to really walk the talk and practice the behaviors that you want others to emulate. However, you can get started by practicing your positive principles on a daily basis with only a small effort. Start small and stick to your immediate circle of influence- family, close friends. Provide yourself with opportunities to impart morals and good belief systems to the people closest to you.
3. Add slowly. Tackle each principle, singly, one at a time. Work hard at allowing each to become an integral part of your everyday life. Once you’ve mastered one, move on to something else. It is vitally important to be able to give authentic testimony to the fact that there are actually greater benefits in adhering to those particular principle than in not adhering to them. There is also a sense of fulfillment when you can show others just what kind of actions, thoughts and behaviors contribute to a better and more wholesome outcome.
Walking the talk is a lifelong journey. There will be times when you will fall well below you own level of expectations and the principles you aspire to uphold. You are human. What is important is that you get back up, recognize it quickly and take the necessary steps to get back on track.
Lead by example. It’s the only way anyone will follow you.
Thoughts?
Photo Credit: h.koppdelaney via Compfight cc
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