Leadership is more than a position—it's an embodiment of values, vision, and action. The most compelling leaders throughout history have understood that their words are only as powerful as the actions that back them. As the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu once said, “A leader is best when people barely know he exists…when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.” This sense of empowerment stems from a core principle of irresistible leadership: leading by example.
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Setting the Standard with Integrity
Leaders who walk the talk inspire a level of trust that is critical for team success. Whether you're heading a global company or managing a small team, consistency between what you say and what you do establishes credibility. People follow actions far more faithfully than words alone. In the words of Abraham Lincoln, "Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing." Leaders must focus on building their character—the foundation of their tree—so that their team can confidently follow their example.
The late Paul J. Meyer, founder of Leadership Management International and a pioneer in personal development and leadership, emphasized this in his programs on Effective Team Development. Meyer stressed that trust and respect are key to high-performance teamwork, and that trust is built when leaders assume responsibility and hold themselves accountable.
Inspiring with a Work Ethic That Speaks Louder Than Words
A strong work ethic is a hallmark of leaders who inspire action. Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, was known for his relentless drive to push boundaries and deliver excellence. Jobs expected his employees to innovate; but he also immersed himself in every detail of product development, working tirelessly to create something extraordinary. His unwavering commitment showed his team that if excellence was expected, it had to start at the top.
Likewise, Meyer’s teachings on Effective Personal Productivity highlight the power of goal setting and how prioritizing the most impactful tasks creates the best results. Leaders must demonstrate these practices daily, showing their teams how to align efforts with strategic goals. It's not enough to talk about increasing productivity and impact—you must show it in action, day in and day out.
Creating a Culture of Accountability and Trust
John Quincy Adams said, "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader." At the heart of this inspiration is accountability.
Leaders who hold themselves accountable naturally cultivate a culture where everyone is responsible for their actions. In Effective Strategic Leadership, Meyer underscores that leadership requires understanding obstacles, setting clear strategic goals, and ensuring that accountability filters down through every layer of an organization.
Leaders who act with integrity and hold themselves accountable create an environment where trust thrives. The Effective Team Development program further supports this idea, demonstrating how leaders can develop winning teams by creating environments that encourage responsibility and accountability. This, in turn, propels the entire team toward excellence.
Celebrating Small Wins Along the Way
Great leaders also know that part of leading by example includes recognizing achievements. This applies to final goals, but equally to the small victories along the way. Celebrating successes—no matter how small—boosts morale and keeps teams motivated. As leaders, celebrating your team's wins shows that you appreciate their efforts and encourages continued excellence.
In the context of personal and team development, the celebration of each success is a way to reinforce progress and build momentum. It’s a practice deeply rooted in positive psychology, where recognition fuels further motivation.
A Spiritual Side to Leadership: Leading Through Service
Religious texts and sacred wisdom also echo the principle of leading by example. In the Bible, Jesus Christ is often cited as the ultimate servant-leader. In the Gospel of Mark (10:45), it reads: "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." This servant leadership model is echoed in modern leadership paradigms that stress the importance of service before self.
By putting the needs of others first, leaders who embody servant leadership create a powerful ripple effect. Team members are motivated to replicate this service-oriented mindset, driving a collective commitment to the organization’s mission.
Lessons from Gandhi: The Power of Peaceful Leadership
Mahatma Gandhi once said, "Be the change that you wish to see in the world." His leadership wasn't imposed through force but was demonstrated through peaceful, consistent action. Gandhi’s ability to inspire an entire nation to pursue independence without violence is a testament to the irresistible power of leading by example. He lived the values of non-violence and truth that he wanted his followers to embrace.
Incorporating this idea into a business setting, leaders who exemplify calm under pressure, ethical decision-making, and resilience create an organization that mirrors these values. As Gandhi showed, one individual’s actions can transform the behavior of many.
Bringing It All Together
Leaders who lead by example aren't just telling others how to act—they're showing them what success looks like. These leaders build trust, inspire action, and create cultures where accountability and excellence are the norms. As we learn from the teachings of great leaders like Paul J. Meyer, Steve Jobs, and Mahatma Gandhi, as well as the sacred texts, the journey to becoming a compelling leader starts with practicing what you preach.
Whether in business, civic life, or a global movement, true leaders guide their teams not through commands but through example.
Renwick Brutus' career has spanned roles as research economist, investment advisor, entrepreneur and consultant. He holds an MBA from Fordham University and has been recognized for his outstanding achievement in sales and business leadership. Today, Renwick utilizes the LMI Total Leader Model and applies his unique blend of business strategy and interpersonal skills to help individuals prosper and companies grow. He owns multiple companies and is in great demand to consult with business leaders. Contact him by email and LinkedIn.
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