Leading By Example Is Overrated

Food for Families 2009
Food for Families 2009

Wait.  That’s not right.  There are many things overrated. Leading by example is NOT one of them.

The story of Easter is an amazing one, whether you are a Christian or not.  There is no history book anywhere that disputes Jesus was executed.

As humans, we have daily opportunities to lead by example. Knowing how significant this is, my wife and I began volunteering at Food For Families in 1999.

It was a tradition we wanted to establish before we started a Family of our own.

Every Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas morning, since 1999, we have been waking up early and serving others, before we celebrate these traditionally festive American holidays.

Today is no different.

Our son didn’t start getting out of our car until he was three.  Didn’t start carrying boxes until he was six.

Now, at nine, he carries boxes and interacts with the needy Families we encounter on these special mornings.

The most important part about leading by example?

Value-driven behaviors (not intentions).

Done consistently.

Just To Clarify

Be A Fanatical Reader
Be A Fanatical Reader

You should read a ton.

I mean you should be FANATICAL about reading.

And this should never end.

Never, ever.

You should be a student for life.

However, may I caution you, if you wish to be a responsible leader, you should at some point, start to develop your own path.

And your path should consist of your convictions.

At some point, you ought to be able to clearly articulate, in your own words, what life is all about.

Do you quote, or are you quotable?

Reading Is Following

Leadership Is Not A Spectator Sport
Leadership Is Not A Spectator Sport

Google results for:

Leadership = 126 million

Leadership books = 56.5 million

Leadership articles = 55.4 million

Leadership blogs = 37.5 million

How do we get our collective arms around this whole notion of leadership?

What is it exactly?

And why are there a gazillion results?

Anyone else think like this?

All I know is that as of yesterday, March 31, I’ve written 1,950 blog posts.

It seemed that maybe I should read less and write more.

Isn’t leadership about leading and not following?

Reading is following.

Writing is not.

He Asks Too Many Questions

What Makes A Question Good?
What Makes A Question Good?

While it may be challenging for some, you really should look at that picture without the political advertisement.  It is simply a bumper sticker that I took a picture of.

It wasn’t until I bent down to snap the photo, that I saw the political ad.

Forget the ad.

Today is about questions, not politics.

“He who asks a question is a fool for five minutes;  he who does not ask a question remains a fool forever.” — Chinese Proverb

What makes a question good?

What stops us from asking questions?

What stops us from doing anything that we think is important?

When will we overcome this?

Is it even worth it?

Asking tough or intriguing questions can make people – your boss, your peers, your subordinates, your family – feel very uncomfortable.

Taking risks is risky. So is playing it safe.