Leading By Example
Leaders know that everything they say or do (or dont say or do) sets an example for those they lead. Just as your children learn from the example you set in your family, your adult team members at work learn by your example, too. Some leaders think of this as a burdenlike living in a glass house with no place to hide. Is this how you react to your power as a leader? Effective leaders really dont have (or need) a place to hideand dont waste time looking for one! Being a leader is about being out there, every minute, everywhere. It is how you act when you have to stand in a long line at the grocery store, when youre involved in a car accident, or when you believe someone has treated you unfairly. Leadership is about living a totally visible lifehaving no secrets, no closets that no one should look in, and being clear that while there are lots of people looking to you for guidance, there are others who are watching and just waiting for you to fall flat on your face. Why? Because then they feel justified to not take on leadership themselvesSee what happened to Tom in that meeting? I dont ever want that to happen to me! Leaders who know and accept that they are living examples for others enjoy a life full of freedom. Imagine what your life would be like if you had no secrets? Nothing to hide about yourself? No lies to cover up? No relationships that are incomplete? No undelivered communications? Rather than carrying around a lot of anxiety about these things, you could feel light, complete, and free to create! Leadership is all about couragecourage to live as an example for othersout in the open, handling whatever comes your way with power and grace. This year is the bicentennial commemoration of the Lewis and Clark journey across the unexplored new American lands. Jack Uldrich, in his book, INTO THE UNKNOWN: Leadership Lessons from Lewis and Clarks Daring Westward Expedition, celebrates the leadership qualities these young men showed while leading their team of 31 men on the perilous journey westward into the unknown. Uldrich points out that:
What kind of leader are you? Are you the Meriweather Lewis or the William Clark of your team? Are you living courageously and openly? What are you waiting for?
Clay S. Nelson, the founder of Consulting Services Network LLC, and his team are committed to putting fun, family and financial freedom into everyones business and personallives. With over two decades of experience coaching business leaders in creating life balance, building teams, and writing plans, their programs are designed to alter the culturesof companies and families. They make a powerful and lasting difference with each person they meet, every group they speak with, and with every client they serve. Learn more about Coaching with Clay S. Nelson Learn more about the Personal Planning Workshop Contact Consulting Services Network LLC More Articles by Clay S. Nelson Find a Concrete Contractor 23 Services in 200 Metros -- U.S. and Canada © 2008 ConcreteNetwork.com None of this site may be reproduced without written permission |
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