Be THE Example!

Lead by example! Does it ring the bell? How many times have you been told or heard that phrase?

Most of us have heard or have constantly been reminded of that short but very deep phrase. But let me ask,  what do you understand by lead by example?

Lead by example according to Merriam-webster Dictionary means to act in a way that shows others how to act.

Now ask yourself, look deep within and answer this; are you leading by example?

There are so many leaders or authority figures out there that many of us look up to.

We try to emulate their way of life including how they speak, how they dress, how they act and so on. We even refer to some as our role models. In our lives, they have a huge impact. But do they practice what they preach? 

I have heard countless times from some leaders ,emphasizing on the fact that their followers/others shouldn't do what they do but do what they say. Do you believe a leader should do the opposite of what he/she constantly talks about? 

Some leaders also demand their followers to "serve them" but would never lift a finger to help a follower or even get their hands dirty just because they are the leaders.

But i believe as a leader , you need to serve in order to be served.

I was the Team Manager for a Rugby League Club for 2 years and the Women's Rugby League Cordinator for Ghana for almost a year. I was a leader to the players I was working with. But I wanted to be more than just a leader to them.

I wanted to be their friend,  their go-to person when they had challenges, their advisor when they were faced with situations that was beyond them , their teacher and most of all like a mother to them. I wanted to make an impact in their lives. I wanted to let them know we weren't a team only on the field and that it extended off-field and even when the season was over.

I wanted to lead by example. Show them how to treat their fellow team mates and non team mates alike.

So I created a warm environment to enable me achieve all that and I was really happy that it worked.

I believe as a great leader sometimes you need to get your hands dirty to better understand your players so I trained with them. Took part in activities with them.

I served them in the best possible way I could. A player needed water? I was there to get them some.

An injured benched player needed a chair to sit on? I got one for them.

A player is down? I was there to talk to them, to motivate them, to cheer them up.

A player misses training or matches, I called to make sure they were fine.

I made time for them despite my very tight schedules. I listened to their problems and helped them find solutions.  Those that were beyond me were sent to those above me.

I listened to their feedbacks and suggestions on programs and activities because they were the ones the activities were being organized for and their opinions mattered. 

Every player has the need to be heard and giving them the opportunity builds a great relationship between the leader and the player.

In the end, they learnt the value of teamwork, support, respect amongst others.

They learnt to voice out more, they were motivated to come for training sessions, matches and activities and they were willing and ready to work extra hard for us to achieve our goals.

This was/is my Style of Leadership. 

These are my beliefs.

These are my principles.

I believe in sports, the best way to help or teach the players, is to do what you say.

As a coach, if you want the players to be on the field on time,  make sure you get there on time.

As a Team Manager,  if you want the players to open up to you, make sure you open up or warm up to them.

Whatever you want the players or other executives to do or however you want them to act, be sure to do same and you will see the excellent results you will get.

What are your thoughts on leading by example?

Leave your comments below.