Example is the best precept - Aesop

I've been a leader of people for many years across various roles; I believe some are built for it, have natural attributes that lean them towards leadership, and others are followers. All good leaders will be able to learn from others, evaluate good and bad examples, and apply that knowledge to becoming a better leader. This new series is designed to expose great quotes by various leaders and to investigate how they may relate or apply to myself or others. _{original im src}

This week's leadership quote

Example is the best precept.

Some may disagree with me however, I believe society is bombarded with bad examples these days and social media, the media in general, are to blame. Sure, it's the individual's choice to take the example on board or not however with such things forced upon society in so many insidious ways it's difficult not to be influenced...and so, people are influenced.

In my many years as a leader I've striven to lead by example and, despite some few cases in which I probably didn't do my best, I believe I've done a reasonable job at doing so. I don't just mean in my work-roles but as a partner, brother, friend, manager, and general citizen of this big blue and green planet we live on. But leading by example doesn't mean that example is always a good one and, referring back to the social media comment above, there are many following the bad examples of others.

I agree with our wise old and extremely ancient friend Aesop that example is indeed the best precept which generally means rule, commandment or order. But the words good or bad need to be considered when one thinks of the word example.

As a leader examples of ownership, work-ethic, diligence and discipline can have a massively positive effect upon those he or she leads; these are good examples and, for those being led, seeing those attributes in their leader can be inspirational. I name just a few attributes of the many a good leader must display but you get the point I think. These are examples of good examples to set.

But as I wrote above, bad examples happen and people follow them. I don't think I need to give any examples of such things, you're all adults and can think of some I'm sure.

As a leader it's critically important to set good examples however, unfortunately, many do not. I don't just mean a leader in the military, workplace, on the sporting field, parents, friends, teachers or in social groups of course; I mean corporations, organisations and governments as well. Corruption in those last few examples is rife. Consider a charity organisation for instance. Many only send through five to ten cents in the dollar of funds collected to those they are raising funds for preferring to keep the rest for "operational costs" which means lining their own pockets usually - This isn't a very good example to be setting for the rest of us don't you think? I wonder how many people have said, well if they do it, why shouldn't I?

Human beings are impressionable and reasonably easily influenced; they follow along like lemmings for...I don't know, the fear of missing out on something or being seen as different? That's why setting examples can be so powerful and here I mean the good or the bad. Taking examples from those displaying positive, wholesome and constructive behaviours is fantastic...but the opposite happens also and that's causing the breakdown of society in my opinion.

If you have any thoughts on this leadership quote, experiences of your own, or questions please feel free to comment below.