Leadership by Example

July 31, 2014
There are three types of people:
1.  Those who Can and Do;
2. Those who Can and Don’t;
3. Those who Can and Do, without being asked.

Picture

Of the three, the first are workers in the world of business. The second category, sadly, tends to decline into the sub-category of those who no longer can, because they won’t.  The third category we call Leaders. 

Some identify leaders by virtue of their title, but that would be a mistake. Many managers are mistaken as Leaders, whereas they are really just more experienced and organized workers.  True Leaders develop over time, and often rise to obtain a title that suggests their status, but it’s not acquired as a result of What they do.  Rather, it’s a result of How  they go about it.Leaders set the pace and are willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish the mission. They support their team, by respecting but continually encouraging and mentoring them. They lead from the front and provide the example. Brian Martin is a Leader. 

On Monday morning as I pulled into the office parking lot, imagine my surprise as I saw Brian Martin pulling out on a zero turn mower! (Note the picture and the safety vest….another example.). He was headed to mow a field by the office so that our group of interns could hold teamwork events there that morning. Could he have asked someone else to do it?  Sure, but our crews are running  wide open this time of year and that request would take time away from a valued client. So he hopped on the mower himself and proceeded to take care of it. It was just a coincidence that I spotted him.

That’s what leadership by example is all about. It’s being willing to do whatever is needed, whenever it is necessary to enable the team to accomplish their mission. There’s no job too big or too small.  Leadership requires service before self, something that many people aren’t willing to provide.

The great thing about leadership is that it can be demonstrated by any person, in any role and at any time. No one needs to give you permission to step up and lead. It’s a personal decision — a choice — that sets the tone for success and accomplishment in all aspects of life and work.  Seth Godin refers to such people as “Linchpins”. Whatever you call them, you’ll recognize them in action.

Leadership by Example is one of the greatest gifts we can share with those around us.  Thanks, Brian, for reminding us what that looks like!

7 Comments

  • Chris Lewis

    10 years ago

    Our pastor, last Sunday, was talking about Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy’s, MBA( Mop Bucket Attitude), and how he could be seen in a Wendy’s mopping floors, cleaning bathrooms,etc. Sadly, too many times today, it’s about “What can you do for me, not what can I do for you.”

    • Chris, thanks for the comment. A “Servant-Leader” like you describe can provide the most powerful example…

  • Great post, Bill! Brian, you’re lookin’ pretty good on that zero turn mower! Leadership by example is the best kind, especially when you don’t realize anyone’s watching.
    Keep up the great work.
    -Dave

  • jim sivils

    10 years ago

    I told the crew back in April of 2013 when I took over the sales mgt at Bio that I would lead by example.
    You know Chris Cathy he said that’s awesome so you will be selling 2 mil in new sales and show us how its done. The room exploded if you could imagine. Is that a SCAGG mower if so how did we get that one approved???

    • Jim, I’ve seen you lead from the front, whether it’s Arbor Sales or a client meeting. As for the SCAG, did you see how old that unit is?!?

  • Kris Darmer

    10 years ago

    My Amazing Wife describes this “worker type” so perfectly: There are Vertical Thinkers and Horizontal Thinkers.
    Vertical Thinkers a given a task and look at how best to complete by any means possible. They need limited guidance, use instincts to seek out solutions to hang-ups and find ways to overcome with out fail. Their threshold of potential is limitless.
    Horizontal Thinkers are given a task and work to complete this task through there current abilities. They seek only to finish and lack the ability to step outside of the task to test its feasibility and accuracy. Horizontal thinkers are bound to the limits established in their mind which tell them they can only do what they know how to do.
    Now if someone can tell me how to identify each type of person in a one hour or less interview/ conversation – Please let me know!! 🙂

  • Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published.





    Recent Posts

    Power of Seven

    A Tip of the Hat

    Powered by Passion

    Rules of Engagement

    You May Also Like