I am certain the best way to lead people is leading them by example.
Some what silly for some, but important example for me…my idol when I was younger (he is still someone I admire very much) is the financier/business man, Michael Milken.
When I was younger - I read that he did not drink alcohol…so I did not. I read he did not drink caffeine…and for a long period in my life, I did not drink caffeine. When I read that he woke up at 4:00…I organized myself and have been waking up around 4:00 for many years.
Now a days, I still rarely drink alcohol– and when I do, I only drink wine. I go to sleep early and wake at 3:45 every day even on most weekends, but I did slip a bit…I do drink caffine.
My point is not to talk about myself … but instead to point out how people’s actions, like MM’s can lead people even without Michael Milken ever knowing.
I have a close friend who is a christian minister…and I have debated with him many times on the best way to lead people to God.
I do not believe forcing people “to know” God leads one “to want” to learn about God … instead of forcing people to eat, why not lead an inspirational life, filled with consistency and success …. then people will surely want to learn why you are so successful, thus eat the same food as you do.
Furthermore, when this person was the number one sales person in the company….consistent and focused, without question, the people around him were being led to know, or want to know God because everyone knew he is a devote Christian.
He did not have to preach… his exceptional success, work ethic and person, i.e. his actions preached the word for him.
LP is 22 years old and he leads an army in Cape Town…immediately, upon his arrival to this office, the office has completely exploded with business. He is not “telling” or “bossing” the people on what to do and how to do it… he is leading them by example.
He is not selling them a dream… he is showing them how to make that dream happen.
I have had super great guys lead teams by trying to be everyones friend, hanging out, taking them to the pub … but being a best friend to everyone brings certain failure as a leader. No matter how much someone might like a person, if they do not believe in that person that will not follow them.
The only reason I succeeded as a manager at my previous company was because everyone knew (because they witnessed) me succeed…. therefore, they would listen and follow my actions and words.
Over the past year, I have had three exceptionally talented sales people become sales leaders — they each started “telling” people what to do…. instead of leading them by example. All three failed.
Think about your current bosses … or if you are a manager, the people you lead… are they/you leading by example? I am certain beyond doubt that if you work harder - lead by better example, your team will surely follow.
just f…ing sell….
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