Idea 16: Setting an example
The lantern carrier should go ahead.
Japanese proverb
‘Leadership is example.’ To be successful a good leader must ‘walk the talk’. Employees take a fraction of the time to get to know a leader that the leader takes to get to know them. The example you are giving is quite simply you. Whether this is a good or a bad example depends on you, the leader.
An example is set in verbal and non-verbal ways and all aspects of a leader's words and deeds must be considered in the light of this fact.
And if an example is contagious, it is worth ensuring that you set a good one to encourage the qualities that you seek in others.
Some key questions for good leadership are:
- Task – do you lead from the front/by example?
- Team – do you develop your team's standards through the power of example?
- Individual – do you view each individual as a leader in their own right?
Bad examples, particularly of hypocrisy, are noticed more than good ones, so leaders must take care in all they say and do.
I cannot hear what you are saying to me because what you are is shouting at me.
Zulu proverb
- Do I set a good example?
- Do I ask others to do what I would be unwilling to do myself?
- Do people comment on the good example I set in my work?
- Does my (bad) example conflict with what everyone is trying to do?
- Can I quote when I last deliberately set out to give a leading example?
- Do I mention the importance of example to team leaders who report to me?