Leadership Lessons 9 : Leading by example

 Leadership Lessons 9.

Those with leadership qualities are those who lead by example. This is also one of the most challenging aspect. Not that easy. Those with leadership qualities will be able to set new standards by going beyond the 'business -as -usual mode.

Leadership is the ability to set an example by demonstrating attitude, behaviour and change. While communicative skills are important leadership skills, what matters is the ability to demonstrate in the real world. There are talkers who do not deliver and there are doers who may not be able to communicate. Both are equally important.

If you insist on time, those with leadership qualities will indeed set an example of punctuality. If you insist on austerity, then those with leadership will demonstrate it by practicing austerity.

The capacity and capability to demonstrate is what brings credibility to leadership. Those can't demonstrate by delivering what you promised may not earn the respect in the long run. When there is a big gap between promises and performance, there will be a legitimacy crisis for leadership.

Smart leaders under promise and over deliver. That will increase the leadership credibility. The ability to envision is a sign of leadership quality. But equally important is the ability to demonstrate and communicate that we have the capacity to realize the dream and make a real difference on the ground.

This is also one of the most difficult things to do. Because in any organization, it is not only your good intension that matters. To demonstrate or implement a plan also requires to get a capable and competent team and collective ownership. This is much easier said than done. While demonstrating an attitude is easier, demonstrating a new plan or project may be a bit more challenging and may take time.

JS Adoor

To be continued