Set An Example

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Published by Rachelle Disbennett-Lee
Saturday, November 24, 2001
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The best way to teach others is by example. It is difficult to ask someone to be honest, loving, and open if we are not willing to do the same. As a child, I often heard the phrase, "Do as I say, not as I do." Unfortunately, it was the actions of the adults around me that most affected my behavior not their words.

I have worked with clients that were willing to do almost anything for their boss. I also have experienced the desire to perform beyond the call of duty when a boss, or even a co-worker, inspired me. It wasn't anything that they said; it was what they did that inspired my clients and myself. The boss demonstrated with their actions that they were willing to do whatever it took. They were loyal and honest and took a sincere interest in the well being of the people that worked with them.

In my last job, the vice president would often stop by my office to see how I was doing, or thank me for my efforts on a project, or just chat. If he told me he would do something, he did it. He took my suggestions seriously and told me honestly of the ones he would implement and the ones he would not and why. Because of the example he set as a leader, I was willing to follow. And before you think I was his favorite, he did this with his entire staff.

What we say is not as important as what we do. Our words and actions must be congruent. If they are not, people will doubt what we say and just might begin to follow our negative examples.

Coaching

People will do as we do, not as we say. What we say will be negated by our actions. We must be willing to live our lives as an example by which others will know what kind of person we are. Also, people will be willing to do as we do when they see we are living up to our spoken words.

What type of example are you setting?

Daily Success Formula

Words + Actions + Follow through = Living by example

Quotes

"Setting an EXAMPLE is not the main means of influencing another, it is the only way." Albert Einstein