My friend Marvin Rosen recently posted “Advice From an Old Farmer” on his Facebook page. It’s funny how some things just leap off the page when you see them. This was one of those things. The “old farmer” wrote:
“The best sermons are lived, not preached.”
Great Leaders know that what they do, the behaviors that they exhibit, have far more influence over the actions of their followers than the words they speak. They don’t just mouth the words. They “walk the talk”. They live in such a way that there can be no doubt about what is expected.
Great Leaders hold themselves to the highest standards. They understand that any lapses that they may have will be all the more noticeable because they have set the bar high; and, they know that others are always watching … just hoping to “catch them” falling short.
Great Leaders know that they must reach for the moon and the stars if they are to attain heights of achievement that others believe are unattainable. They dare not burden themselves with the limitations of low expectations and self doubt.
Great Leaders live with honor and integrity. At any point in their lives, they can look back and like what they see. They may have regrets, but they need not apologize for their actions. They did what they knew was right … even if it didn’t work out like they expected.
The best sermons are lived on a daily basis in a way that anyone and everyone can see what is expected of them. Have you known a Great Leader who “practiced what he or she preached”? Click comment and share the experience.
Tom Hoisington is a speaker, trainer, and author whose goal is to provide leaders and potential leaders with tools that empower them to build teams that are creative and cost effective along with a clearer understanding of how personality types interact within those teams. He can be contacted at tom.hoisington@eagleoneresources.com