Example is leadership. - Albert Schweitzer
I've been a leader of people for many years across various roles; I believe some are built for it and have natural attributes that lean them towards leadership, and others are not. All good leaders will be able to learn from others though, evaluate good and bad examples, and apply that knowledge to becoming a better leader. This new series is designed to expose great quotes by various leaders and to investigate how they may relate or apply to myself or others. original im src
This week's leadership quote
Example is leadership.
I've always worked hard hard. I've been diligent, persistent, had a results-focus, evaluated and strategised, taken action when required and adapted to the results that came, successes or failures, then began again. As I moved into my twenties this compounded and, increasingly, I found myself in a position of leadership; people looked to me for direction and I found I often had a concept of what was required and how to achieve it; I became a leader by default I guess. As time moved forward this informal leadership-scenario formalised.
I didn't always know what to do or how to do it but made decisions, right or wrong; it was my job to make a call and, come what may, those following would act. It was a huge responsibility, one I took seriously, which is why I worked tirelessly to educate myself, to be open to learning, to embrace change, not fear failure and be more prepared and better equipped to make decisions that affected more than just myself.
In those days I looked for work. I call it lifting heavy shit these days although at the time I did not.
Lifting heavy shit means many different things, but in this case it means to find work, learn more, rise earlier and stay up later, to check and re-check then check again and to have discipline, ownership and the right attitude. It means that when the job is done one moves on and looks for another one, more information, better preparedness and a better chance to improve just that little bit more. Lift heavy shit.
At the time I didn't understand all the nuances of why people did as I asked, why people followed me or why they went out of their way to lift heavy shit for me and with me. Sometimes I still don't know...But I see some of the elements more clearly now, understand them better, and one of those is this...[lead by] example.
I love this quote by Schweitzer because it's so damned simple and simple is often the best, and often the most effective.
All those years ago, I wasn't doing anything overly clever. I wasn't a magnificent orator that inspired people and neither was I a dictator that ordered them. I was just a young man who knew how to lift heavy shit. I worked hard and people saw it. I led by example.
Leading by example doesn't mean the leader has to do the work others are expected to do; no. It means setting a good example, showing work-ethic, ownership, diligence, attention to detail, responsibility, focus and results-driven actions and attitudes. If that's done effectively it filters down and others do the same if they are empowered to do so.
I remember telling people, "I'll never ask you to do something I wouldn't do, or haven't done, myself."
It was an important phrase to say and have the team understand and from there I'd get to it, do my job and help them do theirs; a group of individuals acting as a unit towards the attainment of a common goal, each doing what they need to, including me. Backing up that statement meant working harder than everyone else, being there in support always and working to empower others to want to do the same. I had a simple ethos; never let those I lead hear me criticize, condemn or complain, ever. I just got on with the task, and so did they. Complaints were held within and never filtered downwards.
We all have an opportunity to lead by example whether it's in the workplace, society in general, within family and friends groups, sporting clubs, social media, and even within ourselves!
This doesn't mean we can't, or shouldn't, fail though or that the example we set is always going to be a good one; to be human is to fail. We suffer frailties and faults, we make mistakes, bad decisions and regrettable actions...denying it is pointless. I've always asked people to own it and to take ownership for themselves, responsibility too. It's through those two things we're able to pick up, dust off, and start setting better examples once more. It's a simple concept.
This is just one angle on the quote above, there will be others and you may have your own of course. If you have any thoughts on this leadership quote, experiences of your own, or questions please feel free to comment below.
Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default - Tomorrow isn't promised so be humble and kind
Leading by example is definitely the way to get people behind you. One of my old boss's used to boast that he led from behind - which although is a valid way of doing things if done right by empowering all those to make and take decisions they normally wouldn't he took quite literally as in sitting around waiting for people to do stuff then taking the credit.
Showing you arent afraid to get your hands dirty and muck in is a confidence winner!
Only one word for that leadership style!
Having said that, I have had to learn to just sit around sometimes rather than taking everything by the throat and shaking it until something happened 😂.
There's nothing wrong with sitting around for a while, nothing at all.
Being a leader and taking accolades, credit and reward for work the team did though? Not acceptable. The leader's leader should be able to see the teams success as the leader's success and nothing more should be required and certainly not taking credit that the team deserves for one's own. Only bad leaders would think that's acceptable.
No argument here.
There is definitely room for not leading everyone by the nose!
But yeah, the ones who just sit back and let everything happen have many words to describe them, terrible words!!
Leading from behind...Yes a familiar method I guess. I suppose it's situational like, in the military, there's a commend well behind the front line and they lead. Although, there's always leaders right up front as well. A good example would be how Major Dick Winters led from the outset...from the front at great personal risk, and then later from behind. But, he'd built trust and the respect of his men and replacements that came in. If you're not sure who I mean refer to the book or HBO series Band of Brothers.
I learned from leaders like this...learned what not to do.
Always good to hear from you ya fucken Titan. You on vacation yet?
Hola!! Not on vacay yet, been a right spanner in the works. Good Lady's mother has become badly ill. Been trotting up north to visit her.
And oh yes, band of brothers was grand and there was plenty to learn from that and other good books/shows!
That's not good news and I hope it works out and you manage to take a little time for a vacation.
Aye man, it is a shitstorm but will get through it as always, cheers mate!
Example is Leadership.
This is very applicable to me as a teacher. Everyday I remind myself to always do good things and be a role model to my students, specially that students are good imitators and are a very keen observer. Be it small things like gardening, showing respect, greeting other people and Not coming late to school are already a set of good example. These are basic but I guess very helpful in building leadership skills.
Thanks @galenkp .
Example is not the only element to leadership but it's a huge part of it for sure, and you're hit on a very good example of when to you use.
Setting the example when it comes to manners and courtesy, respect and generosity, humility and caring are ways to show leadership through example. Done enough, and fostered by the individual, those things that can lead a person to a lifetime of emulating that behaviour.
You're a good person to be doing these things and whilst you may never see the fell effect of your leadership you're having a bigger impact than you know. Well done.
I do have a problem with whingers. It's my problem, I own it, but there's something about whinging that makes me want to get the flame thrower out.
Fortunately for me, I work with a group of magnificent women, so I'm saved from leaving a trail of destruction behind me.
Are you me? Lol. ✅
Fortunate for them.
Respect.
I agree with everything you have said up there, and it shows you have a lot of respect for those working under you.
Best piece of advice? never let those I lead hear me criticize, condemn or complain, ever. I just got on with the task, and so did they. Complaints were held within and never filtered downwards.
Hands down.
Thank you Swigs, I've had a lot of experiences and have learned well from them; sure, I've not always been my best version, but we learn from those moments too, and deploy better the next time.
I hope you hav a good weekend, and thank you for the sponsorship for the #weekend-engagememt. I'll spread that over a few weeks as I did last time. You're a champ.
Nobody wants to be a goody-two-shoes, what is the fun in that? You need to learn all sides of the game. ;)
All kidding aside, the lesson was not lost on you. It will be a peaceful weekend as I am at the Shore House. You do so much for all, I am always happy to be a part.
At the shore house? Want a visitor? I'll bring Jenga and my charming, witty personality, you being the snacks. 😊
Many don't want to be a leader because of the burdens that would be placed on their shoulders. But it actually helps us grow as a person and become a better version of ourselves.
The leader also becomes optimistic, mindful, and views things from a positive perspective. That's another way of developing oneself.
You're the leader of The Weekend community and I can say that you are doing great. Keep it up 🙂.
I think we're all leaders in one way or another, even if it's just setting a good example for friends and family, showing courtesy and kindness. In doing so, we lead others to potentially do the same.
Thanks for your comment.
Leadership by example. I tend to instill this everyday in my duty in school as a leader.
Bhaarrrvaaa
Great comment.
Bloody non Sense
Thanks for your valuable comment, it's much appreciated.