Leading by Example: The Path to Empowering Leadership

By: Ryan DuBois

In the realm of impactful leadership, the act of leading by example stands as the most potent method to inspire others towards the pinnacle of excellence. This principle, rooted deeply in action, integrity, and empathy, serves as the cornerstone of this edition of our newsletter. Drawing from my old notes, along with wisdom from renowned figures like Vince Lombardi and Lewis Cass, we delve into the essence of exemplary leadership.

The Essence of Action-Oriented Leadership

"Leadership is not just one thing—it is everything. The single most powerful tool for inspiring others is leading by example,"

encapsulates the multifaceted nature of true leadership.

It's about:

• Teaching through actions rather than mere words.
• Adhering to the advice we give others.
• Embracing the tasks we expect of our team.

Vince Lombardi, famously asserted,

"The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor."

This commitment is vividly demonstrated through the leader's actions, setting a standard for excellence.

Integrity, Respect, and Trust: The Pillars of Leadership

Exceptional leadership is built on the unshakeable foundations of integrity and respect, characterized by:

• Speaking truth in every situation, good or bad.
• The congruence of words and actions, epitomizing the principle of 'walking the talk.'

Lewis Cass highlighted the importance of these virtues, stating,

"People may doubt what you say, but they will believe what you do."

This belief forms the bedrock of trust and honesty, essential for any leader aiming to foster a culture of open communication and service.

Feedback: The Leadership Loop

A leader's willingness to engage in the feedback loop—giving, receiving, and soliciting feedback—marks their commitment to growth and high performance. This openness to feedback from every level within the organization underscores a leader's humility and dedication to continuous improvement.

Resilience and Accountability

Leadership demands a high degree of mental toughness and the readiness to shoulder responsibility for both successes and setbacks. Embodying the ethos of accountability, leaders ensure that credit for successes is widely shared while taking personal responsibility for the failures.

The Balance Between Results and Relationships

The true measure of a leader is reflected in their ability to value both the results and the individuals responsible for those results. As articulated by John Polumbo,

"Always be sure to give away the credit and take the blame."

This approach not only cultivates a culture of appreciation and respect but also encourages a more committed and engaged team.

Inspiration Through Leadership

A leader's role extends beyond directing; it involves inspiring and elevating those around them. This transformative influence is captured in the idea,

"Good players inspire themselves, great players inspire others."

Through their actions, leaders have the unique opportunity to enhance the capabilities and performance of their team, making each member a better player.

The Leadership Dilemma: Respect vs. Popularity

An effective leader navigates the fine line between being a figure of authority and a source of support. While it's crucial to maintain professional boundaries and sometimes deliver difficult messages, the ultimate goal is to earn respect, not popularity.

Conclusion: Leading by Example as a Leadership Philosophy

Leading by example is not just a strategy; it's a philosophy that integrates action, integrity, empathy, and resilience. It calls for leaders to be the embodiment of the values and standards they wish to see in their teams. As we embrace this philosophy, let's recall the wisdom of Vince Lombardi, who reminded us,

"Leaders are made, they are not born. They are made by hard effort, which is the price which all of us must pay to achieve any goal that is worthwhile."

This sentiment reinforces our commitment to being leaders who inspire, transform, and elevate those around us through our actions and character.

As we forge ahead, let us remember that the journey of leadership is one of continuous growth and effort. Let's commit to being leaders who not only lead by example but also dedicate ourselves to the hard work and perseverance necessary to inspire and bring out the best in our teams. Through our dedication to this leadership philosophy, we can truly make a difference in the lives of those we lead and serve.

Be the Change You Wish to See

As you reflect on the principles of leading by example, consider how you can incorporate these into your daily leadership practice. Share this newsletter with peers, friends, and anyone who aspires to make a difference through leadership. Together, let's inspire a legacy of leaders who lead not just by words, but by example.

Here's to leading with purpose, integrity, and action.

Committed to You, Committed to Excellence,

Coach DuBois

As you know, I always like to add a few books that dive in a little deeper on the subject.

1. "Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek

The Foundation of Trust and Integrity

"Leaders are the ones who run headfirst into the unknown. They rush towards the danger. They put their own interests aside to protect us or to pull us into the future."

• As Simon Sinek illuminates in "Leaders Eat Last", leadership begins with the selfless act of putting others' needs before our own, creating a circle of safety. Sinek's narrative underscores the essence of our first principle: Leaders inspire trust and integrity through their actions.
• Actionable Item: Commit to prioritizing the well-being and development of your team over personal gain. Create a safe environment where people feel valued and protected, which in turn fosters trust and collaboration.

2. "The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership" by John C. Maxwell

Influence Through Genuine Relationships

"The true measure of leadership is influence—nothing more, nothing less."

• John C. Maxwell, in "The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership", teaches us that the core of leadership is influence, which is cultivated through genuine connections and understanding. This resonates deeply with our philosophy of building trust and fostering open communication.
• Actionable Item: Engage in regular one-on-one conversations with team members to delve into their aspirations and challenges. Simultaneously, assess your current influence within your team or organization by actively soliciting feedback on your leadership style. This dual approach not only reinforces the bonds that enhance collective influence but also focuses on building genuine relationships and trust. Through understanding and reflection, you can significantly enhance your ability to positively influence others, fostering a culture of mutual respect and shared growth.

3. "Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts." by Brené Brown

The Courage to Lead with Vulnerability

"Daring leaders who live into their values are never silent about hard things."

• Brené Brown's "Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts." champions the power of vulnerability in leadership. Embracing our flaws and uncertainties as strengths enables us to lead with wholeheartedness and authenticity, essential components of inspirational leadership.
• Actionable Item: Initiate a team meeting where each member, including yourself, openly shares a personal challenge they're facing. In the same meeting, take the opportunity to articulate your core values and engage in a reflective discussion on how well everyone's actions—including your own—align with these values. This combined approach of shared vulnerability and a values alignment exercise fosters a culture of trust, mutual support, and integrity. By leading these conversations with empathy, you not only practice vulnerability but also underscore the importance of living by the values that define effective leadership.

4. "Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don’t" by Jim Collins

Pursuing Excellence with Discipline

"Greatness is not a function of circumstance. Greatness, it turns out, is largely a matter of conscious choice, and discipline."

• Jim Collins' "Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don’t" emphasizes the disciplined pursuit of excellence. Greatness, as Collins posits, is a choice accessible to all leaders who are willing to make the disciplined efforts required to transition from good to great.
• Actionable Item: Pinpoint a specific aspect of your leadership or an operational element within your team that presents an opportunity for transformation from good to great. Concurrently, undertake a candid evaluation of your current standing, acknowledging the harsh realities that may be hindering progress. With these insights, devise and execute a strategic plan centered around disciplined, consistent efforts aimed at excellence. Emphasize leveraging your strengths to their fullest potential while addressing and overcoming obstacles, ensuring a steadfast journey towards achieving greatness in the identified area.

5. "Turn the Ship Around!: A True Story of Turning Followers into Leaders" by L. David Marquet

Empowering Others to Lead

"Don’t move information to authority, move authority to the information."

• In "Turn the Ship Around!: A True Story of Turning Followers into Leaders" by L. David Marquet, we learn the transformative power of empowering others. Marquet's experience on the USS Santa Fe illustrates how shifting authority fosters a culture of leadership at every level.
• Actionable Item: Empower your team by delegating decision-making authority to those with the most direct knowledge and insight into the situation. This encourages ownership and accountability, transforming followers into proactive leaders.

Conclusion:

These books offer a wealth of knowledge and practical advice on how to embody the principles of leading by example. By integrating these actionable items into your leadership practice, you can inspire a culture of excellence, trust, and empowerment within your team or organization.

Dive Deeper into Leadership Excellence

Embrace the journey of becoming a more effective leader by delving into these transformative books. Share your insights and how you've applied them with your team or on social media, sparking a dialogue on the principles of exemplary leadership. Together, let's cultivate environments where leading by example is not just encouraged but lived daily.

Thanks for reading to the end!

Let’s go!

Coach DuBois