#21 Leading By Example (6/02/2022)
If you want to change culture, then you have to live it.
When you live a certain way and set expectations for yourself, you are not only boosting your own self-confidence, but you are leading by example. It does not matter how many people you think are watching.
When you lead by example, it helps open people up to what’s possible. Other people see what you are doing and think “oh, I can do that too.” Or it opens their mind to see that something you are doing is producing results that they would like to have.
Be the change you want to see in the world.
It is much easier to go about your goals and dreams, and inspire people to follow along, than to try to tell people that they need to change to do the same things you are doing. People do not like being told what to do unless they are open and ready for it. There is a better chance of successfully helping someone if they come up to you than if you try to push change onto them. Even if your intentions are purely to help them.
There is a huge credibility boost when you see that someone is doing exactly what they said they would do. Leadership and change are not productive without trust. If you know that you can trust someone, you will do more for them and with them.
The “do as I say, not as I do” mentality is a very weak way to try to lead someone or a team. If you set the high expectations with yourself, then others will investigate it and figure it out on their own. If you do not follow your own rules/expectations, expect a ton of pushback from your peers.
Now is the perfect time to start, restart, or continue living out your dreams and goals. Whether you want to become a leader or not, your example will be an influence on someone around you. This single drop of influence can cause a ripple effect of change.
What example do you want to put in the world? This example represents how people will view and recall your life. Are you living the example that supports who you are and what you value?
-Nick Leehy