Newly published! Learn about the basic eleven leadership competencies every teen needs. Order the book Team Leadership Skills for Teens.

Setting the Example

As a leader, Setting the Example means that your public and private lives are transparent and unified. Since we define leadership as a property of the group, and at its essence the act of influencing a group to achieve its goals, anyone is by definition a leader. Setting the Example is one way all members can influence the group.

While a very simple competency on the face of it, none is more important. Fail to demonstrate this competency to members of your group, and you are doomed to negative results. No matter how good a line you talk, if you don’t match it with your walk, you will earn no respect and find it increasingly difficult to get the group to work with you.

Setting the Example is where your backbone shows. If you have character, if your character has integrity—that is, if who you are in public is the same person you are in private—you will accomplish far more than you might imagine possible. For this kind of leader, as long as he takes care of his follower’s needs, enjoys their respect, loyalty, and even love.

It may be more difficult under some circumstances to set a positive example, but that doesn't stop you! Setting the Example is where your backbone shows. If you have character, if your character has integrity--that is, if who you are on the outside is lined up with who you are on the inside--you will accomplish far more than you might imagine possible. For this kind of leader, as long as he takes care of his follower's needs, enjoys their respect, loyalty, and even love.

If you fail to set the example, why should you expect group members to do any better? To help keep the group together and get the job done, everything you do and say should line up with the best possible examples of leadership. When you set the example, you help facilitate the results you want as a leader.

Newly published in 2016. Learn about the basic eleven leadership competencies every teen needs. Order the book Team Leadership Skills for Teens. Buy it now—only $9.99. Copyright 2008 Brian Phelps. All Rights Reserved. Brief passages may be quoted for reviews or commentary.

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