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Actions speak louder than words, what are your saying about yourself?

I wholeheartedly believe the idiom "Actions speak louder than words" is right on target when you are talking about being a leader. Actions truly do influence how you are perceived by those around you. If you are a leader perception plays a huge role in how respected and received you will be. I tell my high school student leaders that "every single thing you do or say is a direct representation of you. You cannot act recklessly or badly sometimes and be a great leader other times. It is either one or the other. Not both!"

To effectively lead by example you must act as you want others to act, you must believe wholeheartedly in what you are trying to accomplish, you must be enthusiastic and inspire others to do the same.

The phrase "do as I say and not as I do" is the complete opposite of leading my example. You cannot expect others to do something you don't do. You also cannot demand that others follow you. The best leaders do not set out to lead others they simply do what they feel is right or fair and others follow.

Rosa Parks is a great example of a person who led by example. She did what she felt was fair and others were inspired by her actions. Rosa Parks started a huge movement by simply refusing to give up her seat on the bus that day and many followed her lead. That is what a great leader does.

In my opinion the best way to lead by example is to truly believe in your cause and to really live as you want others to. You must model the proper behaviors and actions 100% of the time and you must be passionate about it. Don't look back to see if you are being followed, it doesn't matter. All that matters is that you are the shining example of what should be, and with your courage and passion you will inspire others to do the same.

Learn more about this author, Talina Norris.
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