One of the most difficult things to comprehend as a leader is the idea of leading by example. At the beginning stages of leadership it is very easy to haphazardly order your supporters about, not taking into consideration the damage that any hypocrisy could create. It is important to remember that your supporters give you the power that you exhibit. and without their acknowledgment, your will is impotent.
Therefore, you must do everything possible to communicate your expectations of them, and the clearest message is demonstrated only through example. In fact, to lead through force of will alone may only serve to drive your cohorts further from your goal.
Imagine for a moment that you are on a hike and that your trail guide firmly states that dangerously poisonous plants reside on the trail. As you begin your hike, you notice that every few moments your guide randomly begins touching and eating plants along the trail; this might make you very skeptical to the level of danger that actually exists. However, if the same trail guide were to carefully and consistently evade the flora and fauna, you may be less tempted to test their suggestion, because you have little reason to doubt there assertion.
Being consistent in your actions and clear with your message is the key to leading by example. When this leadership skill is mastered, you will find that you gain not only more trust and respect from your group, but will also begin to instill more confidence and initiative in forthcoming leaders.
This post was written by guest-writer Nicholas Tovar, Co-President of the University of California at Santa Barbara Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans chapter for 2008-2009. Nick brings about positive changes in those around him with his warm nature and community-driven mindset.
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I wanted to say thank you Armen, for allowing me the honor to share information with your readers. Within your posts you consistently bring up cogent and valid points, helping others to not only understand the mechanics behind social interaction but also how to manage strenuous or new situations. Not only is this information useful for those in leadership roles but is very pertinent to any person willing to absorb it. Keep up the good work.
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Nick, your article and comment here are reasons why an individual such as yourself is well suited for presentation of ideas to the public. Readers would do well to seek out writings from individuals with qualities that you exemplify.
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Great article and tips on smart leadership Nicholas. I love the whole idea about humble leadership which fits in with the points you opened with about not being pushy and overbearing at all with a leadership position.
Great inclusion on your site as well Armen!
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Very nice article!
I definitely think that leading by example is, at times, the only way to get your point across. I’m constantly confronted by the members of my section (trumpet section) and the only way to get them to back down is to show them how skilled I am. I’m not advocating showing off, however, as that also produces a negative effect. You need to find the perfect balance of composed skill and humility that will really get across an air of professionalism and leadership.
Remember that in your own sense of leadership, you are also training future leaders. I recently took a freshman with me to tutor young musicians at the middle school. My intention was to show her how to work with and teach the people who will be in her section when she’s older. A way to lead by example is also to teach others how to lead.
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Mike: Thanks for that sir. Adding Nick’s material to the region of display was what we might call an insta-decision.
Corey: I would say that your fellow trumpet players require a sign of advancement on your part in order to understand that listening to you would probably be a good idea. This makes sense from the point of view of each person, as they look to improve at any opportunity.
Also, that freshman that you took with you will remember you a myriad of times for your assistance.
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I must say that I support all of the quality material that you all, Armen, Corey and Mike, have been producing. I am glad that my post somehow connected to your own thoughts and experiences and it is great to see that you can build from them.
Mike: You definitely went to the crux of my post, humble leadership is necessary in order to gain the trust and respect of your supporters.
Corey: You gave two great examples of exactly the types of things I was referring to. I enjoyed reading about your experiences with this topic and am enthused to see that you are an advocate of this type of leadership as well.
Armen: What more can I say, those that are great tend to surround themselves with positive influences. Mike and Corey are a testament to your quality material.
It is energizing to know that fellow leaders find my post insightful or at least agreeable…Thanks
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Your posts are so helpful,Armen.
All of us want do things better, And you point us such a direct way. Thanks!
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I really enjoy reading here…so i appreciate on it..
thanks for sharing,
cheer,
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iWalk: That sure is part of the intent, and thanks for the support. Sending the messages as directly as possible saves everyone’s time.
umbultech: I am glad to hear of this as well. I like to hear that one enjoys the material, and also that they think about it or make use of it at times.
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Great article. I can’t count the number of managers I’ve had that said one thing, but did another. It doesn’t lend them much credence.
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