Leading By Example Is Not Enough

Home / Blog / Blogs / Leading By Example Is Not Enough

Leading By Example Is Not Enough

When thinking of the characteristics which define leadership one of the top responses is always, “leading by example.” We’ve all heard this phrase for as long as we can remember.

Does it have merit?

Yes…but it can’t be the only thing required or expected of the leader.

What’s your typical practice look like? We imagine there’s a warm up period, fundamental skill work, position work, offensive work, defensive work, and some form of team scrimmage.

Surely, no coach just has their players watch the coaching staff run through drills, execute the offense and defense, and then expect them to perform at a high level on game day.

No way!

Players need reps and so do leaders.

We learn by doing.

Leaders understand mistakes are okay and losses turn into lessons learned. Leaders also invest in their own development in order to be the best versions of themselves so they can help others.

Sure, there is an important element to leading by example. But it can’t be the only thing relied on. PGC founder Dick Devenzio famously said, “If the only way you lead is by example, then you’re a very poor leader.”

It’s one thing to lead yourself, but it’s another lead other individuals. True leaders make sure everyone has the right mindset, work ethic, and is pulling in the same direction.

As we’ve previously discussed Leadership Is A Lifestyle! Society needs more equipped leaders, and companies are desperately seeking leaders. There are countless opportunities every day to serve and lead.

Be the example, but more importantly mentor others and give away the gift each and every single day!

Have fun and Lead ‘Em Up!

 

Have fun and #LeadEmUp

Get Part 1 Free

Get access to part 1 of the Green Team Framework FREE!

Green Team Framework

Other Posts

This is How It Works: A Masterclass in Community

This is How It Works: A Masterclass in Community

How do you make a real difference in a community? Sometimes, it starts with one person opening a door, and others walking through it with a plan to go all-in. That's exactly what's happening at Middletown High School, where the entire community, from business owners...

Podcasts

Ep. 152: Honoring the Past Without Sacrificing the Future

Ep. 152: Honoring the Past Without Sacrificing the Future

Some seasons stay with you forever! That team that just got it, the chemistry that was rare, the bond that felt like family. But what happens when that chapter closes, and you’re handed a new team that doesn’t feel the same? In this episode, we get real about something coaches rarely talk about: grieving a past team while struggling to fully embrace the one in front of you. We’ll unpack the quiet emotional weight coaches carry, and the dangers of staying emotionally tied to “what was” while missing the potential of “what is.”

Ep. 152: Honoring the Past Without Sacrificing the Future

Ep. 151: Happy 10 Year Anniversary Lead ‘Em Up – The Journey

In this special anniversary episode, we celebrate 10 years in the business of leadership development, a journey that started with high school students and now reaching professionals in corporate boardrooms. We reflect on the origin story: how a mentorship opportunity at the alma mater “Watkins Mill” sparked a purpose-driven business, and how the early days of serving high school students built the foundation for a sustainable model.

Get Part 1 Free

Get access to part 1 of the Green Team Framework FREE!