After more than four decades of involvement, in almost every area of ​​leadership, from identifying and qualifying, to training, developing and consulting with thousands of current and potential leaders, in addition to serving as a leader. For a variety of organizations, industries, non-profit organizations, for-profit businesses, and also working on various political campaigns, I firmly believe that one of the keys, for someone, to make a difference for the better, is, leading – with – the – example! Unfortunately, these days, we seem to have, in a way, a dearth of genuine leaders, both in organizations and in public service. Whether we examine civic, corporate, nonprofit, or public leaders, this trait and behavior is important! With that in mind, this article will briefly attempt to consider, examine, review, and discuss why this is important and how we all benefit when a leader behaves consistently and accordingly.

1. Someone is always watching: It is important to behave and behave consistently, as if someone is always watching, because, these days, that is often the case! We need ethics, morals, empathy, and someone who always puts the best interests of constituents / stakeholders / others, ahead of any personal / political agenda and / or self-interest! Remember, others are much more willing to listen and follow someone who consistently leads by example.

2. Lead by example: It is one thing to claim that you are leading by example, but it is quite another to do so. A true leader must step forward and consistently seek to make quality change, for the better, in a relevant, sustainable, and well-considered way. When we witness someone, who proceeds, in a way that indicates that he believes, you should: do what it says, not what it does, Why would anyone want to listen and / or follow?

3. Absolute integrity: Leaders must meet higher standards, especially in terms of acting with absolute integrity, ethics, morals, and empathy. If you want others to believe what you recommend, your focus should be, do your best, provide, true transparency!

Four. Genuine empathy: Others are inspired and motivated when they feel that their leader genuinely cares and possesses genuine empathy. For example, although President Donald Trump maintains a core of staunch supporters, polls indicate that he is among the most unpopular and most distrustful presidents of all time. In addition to his personal politics, rhetoric / vitriol, and other behaviors, many claim that what worries them most is his apparent lack of empathy.

5. Common good, instead of personal / political agenda and / or self-interest: What an example someone is setting, when they seem to be putting their personal / political agenda, and / or their own interest, ahead of the greater / greater good! If people don’t believe, you are serving and representing their best interests, and setting an example, we need and respect you, they probably won’t be willing to follow you!

Whether we are considering a leader, in the public sector, not-for-profit, and / or for-profit, unless / until that individual clearly leads by example, they are probably not the right fit. individual, for that position! Demand better and more, and choose wisely!