Sheppard Virtual Assistant Services: Top 10: Way to Lead by Example

Top 10: Ways to Lead by Example

by Connie Sheppard

Good leaders must lead by example. If your actions match your words, people will follow you. When leaders say one thing but do another, trust evaporates, a critical element of productive leadership. Everyone, no matter what we do in life should strive to be a good leader - whether as a business owner, a parent, a teacher, a peer...wherever we have potential influence. Here are ten great ways out of dozens to lead by example.

1.Take responsibility. Don’t blame others, don’t put people on the defensive.

2. Be truthful. Honesty really is the best policy.

3. Be courageous. Go through the tough stuff. Be willing to take a risk, commit to learning new things.

4. Acknowledge failure. Acknowledging failure defines it as part of the process of becoming extraordinary!

5. Be persistent. Like Winston Churchill said, “Never give up, never give up, never, never give up.” Obstacles shouldn’t define you. Hurdles shouldn’t permanently trip you up.

6. Create solutions. Don’t dwell on problems; find solutions.

7. Listen. Ask questions. Work on understanding. Hearing what others have to say can give you great insight.

8. Delegate. What you can have others do for you to make your time more useful, and more profitable – let go of it, and let others do.

9. Take care of yourself. Exercise, don’t overwork, take a break. Live a balanced life – mentally, physically, and spiritually. Model it, encourage it, support it!

10. Roll up your sleeves. Get busy, stay focused, don’t waste time.