Here lies another cornerstone of leadership: exemplarity! Teaching by example! Yes, a true leader does not just give orders and directives, but teaches above all by example. A true leader embodies the values and behaviors they wish to see in others. They demonstrate the path to follow through their own conduct, through their own behavior. Aware of their power of influence, aware that their own actions have a direct and profound impact on their team, their community, their employees, their church, etc., they act in a way that inspires and motivates others.

The true leader is one who sets an example not only through their words, their speech, the choice of words they use, but also through their actions. Indeed, no one wants to follow a leader who asks them to do things that they themselves do not do or cannot do. They perfectly understand that their actions speak louder than their words, and so they act accordingly.

An Exemplary leader is not one who sits and gives orders, telling others what to do. Far from it! It is someone who shows how to do it, someone who gets their hands dirty, someone who does not shy away from doing small tasks. By doing so, they naturally and without words inspire others, inspiring those who observe them to do the same, to follow them. And it is this same inspiration that will fuel and nurture the motivation and desire to succeed together! There is a story of a lady who came to an institution to enroll her son.

After passing through the courtyard where someone was sweeping, she arrives at the reception and asks for the director. She is made to wait, as he is busy. After some time, she becomes impatient and finally, annoyed, asks again for the director. The receptionist responds: “Madam, you met him in the courtyard, he was sweeping, he hasn’t quite finished yet…”

As a leader, the congruence between your words and your actions is the key to your own credibility. It is this alignment that will earn you the trust of your team, your members, your constituents, etc. It should also be noted that this teaching by example requires consistency, intentionality, and personal commitment.

Indeed, and at the risk of losing their credibility and the trust of those around them, no leader can be selective in their exemplarity. Values must be lived and demonstrated in all circumstances, words must be kept and respected in all circumstances, including when it is difficult. Jesus himself was a leader of this caliber: he taught and inspired by example.

His leadership is a powerful demonstration of coherence between speech and action. He said what he was going to do and he did it. His way of living was in perfect harmony with his words, which reinforced the credibility of his leadership. He preached humility, and he demonstrated it by washing the feet of his disciples. Compassion? He showed it by healing the sick! Perseverance? He completed his mission despite adversity and suffering! And the list could go on…

Jesus, the supreme model of leadership by example! Whether you lead a business, have responsibility for a church, hold a political office, or are parents, remember that your example is an invaluable resource for inspiring, motivating, and encouraging others.

By embodying your values, demonstrating integrity, and living according to your principles, you create a lasting and positive impact on those you lead. Teaching by example, much more than a leadership method, resembles a true way of life for those who aspire to make a difference and leave a meaningful legacy…

This text is an excerpt from the book “INFLUENCER” written by LUC DUMONT.

We invite you to read the following article “THE TITLES.”

EXEMPLARITY. EXEMPLARITY