Idea 16: Setting an example

The lantern carrier should go ahead.

Japanese proverb

‘Leadership is example.’ To be successful a good leader must ‘walk the talk’. Employees take a fraction of the time to get to know a leader that the leader takes to get to know them. The example you are giving is quite simply you. Whether this is a good or a bad example depends on you, the leader.

An example is set in verbal and non-verbal ways and all aspects of a leader's words and deeds must be considered in the light of this fact.

And if an example is contagious, it is worth ensuring that you set a good one to encourage the qualities that you seek in others.

Some key questions for good leadership are:

  • Task – do you lead from the front/by example?
  • Team – do ...

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