Lead by Example

Whether you realize it or not, everyone is a role model, leader or service provider at some point in time. What may be even more amazing is that you may play these different roles simultaneously through out the day. So while you are critiquing someone else’s performance or trying to lead them in a certain direction, you may need to spend time on perfecting your own performance level.

Lead by example, not just through words.

Have you ever taken a real look at how much time you spend trying to change someone else, as opposed to the time you spend trying to change yourself? Sometimes you think that only if someone else did their job better, if only someone else contributed to the project then everything else would be fine. Will it?

If other people just did what they were supposed to do, where would that leave you? Are you doing everything that you are supposed to do? Or are you lacking in your efforts as well?

Family, friends, colleagues and clients watch your performance. They watch how you life your life, how you run your business or how you perform your job. The example you show, either positive or negative, determines the type of role model in which they perceive you to be.

The example you display has a huge affect on your ability to lead. If you are reflecting a positive example, to family, friends, colleagues and clients, they will be more receptive when you are critiquing their actions or steering them in a certain way. In turn, a negative example reaps negative results.

In your dual role as leader/role model, you also play role as follower or servant. A good leader doesn’t just dictate commands, he/she observes the needs of the people they are leading and try their best to meet them. As a leader, you look for the ways to properly service or address the needs of you family, friends, colleagues and clients. You give them what they need, to bring the best out of them to meet your needs.

As a co-worker, manager or employer, before your next breath in suggesting an improvement for someone else, spend that energy in making sure the high expectation you are looking for in someone else, you are upholding. When you see things out of order, fix it. Don’t wait for someone else because it’s not your job. When you say you are going to do something, keep your word, don’t let other obligation distract you.

As a leader, your job in life is not to change someone. Your role is to change the only person you have control over – you! If you sincerely do your best, family, friends, colleagues and clients will serve you with their best.