I think leadership is often misunderstood. When I hear people say that they are going to ‘lead by example’ or that they are ‘leading by example,’ my first instinct is to look around them. Are they truly leading by example? What is their lifestyle like? Who are they leading? Are they making a positive difference in other’s lives? Are their ‘followers’ making a positive difference?

In my opinion, if someone is leading by example, they are bringing out the best in everyone around them. They are holding other’s hands, guiding them when needed, picking them back up if they can not get up on their own, and most importantly doing this for everyone in their personal and professional lives. To lead by example is not to be done just while we are at work. It is not something you clock in and out of each day. It is not a part time role that you are playing; it is a full time role. It does not come with a specific title or specific level within one’s chain of command but in every title and in every level of command. In my opinion, these are all just characteristics of a lifestyle itself.

I do not judge others, the lifestyles they live, or acknowledge whether they are leading by example or not. Because like anything in life, this would be just one perception of their actions. I only hope to live by my definition of leadership and hope that others find theirs to live by as well. To live it as a lifestyle not just a quote, for without actions a quote does not hold any power by itself.

To truly lead by example is not to live life with the goal of perfection but to live life to the best that we can live it and to inspire those around us to do the same for themselves. It is our imperfections that may be perfection, inspiration, and actually lead those around us, after all.

“How people treat you is their karma. How you react is yours.” – Wayne Dyer