I believe there are three ways to lead: by example, by example, and (you guessed it) by example. The Colonel said:
“Don’t tell your team what kind of leader you are. They won’t follow you because of what you say. Show them what kind of leader you are in your attitude and your behaviors. They will watch and follow you because of what you do.”
Folks, words are just words. The example of your actions is where leadership displays itself. If, for instance, a leader expresses that the team should treat each other with respect and then disrespects someone, all their credibility is lost. The team gets the very clear message that it’s actually okay to disrespect each other, regardless of what the leader said. If the leader rallies the team together for a speech about how “we’ve all got to work harder” and then takes the afternoon off, the message that’s actually sent is very different than what was intended.
On the other hand, when a team sees their leader treating each and EVERY person with respect, they will be more likely to follow that example. When the leader says, “We’ve all got to work a bit harder to make this happen,” and then rolls up their shirt sleeves, digs in, and actually works harder themselves to get things done, the team will be motivated to work harder as well.
In significant leadership, there is no space for “Do as I say, not as I do.” Your team is always watching – and will follow your example, whether you want them to or not.
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