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Start acting immediately as the person you will be, a person of character with a sound reputation. Your words, your manner, your attitude, your dress, your posture and your actions are all reflections. In modern society, people are constantly bombarded with visual and auditory mes­sages. People need cues to sort good from bad and to find order so that they can make decisions. In many dif­ferent aspects of your daily life, you are giving off cues that can be positive or negative. If you speak well, dress appropriately, smile, are courteous, work hard, volunteer and don’t complain, you give people short cuts to view you in your best light.

You must never expect others to do what you would not do. You must be fair, firm, friendly and dependable. If you have to correct someone, do it in private. You have succeeded as a leader when your team works just as well in your absence. Be constantly on the lookout for heroes in your own life to admire and emulate. Adopt their styles. Then, lead by example.

If all you do is talk, employees are apt to dismiss your wisdom or completely ignore you. All your motivational slogans and rallying cries will go for nothing.

Lead by example.

Show how it’s done. As a teacher, counselor, coach or manager, when you’ve been in the trenches, walked the talk, gotten a little banged and bruised yourself, you’ve earned the right to be taken seriously. You are a veteran and carry the status necessary to command.

You don’t hide in your office. Sometimes, it is impor­tant to walk the factory floor and get out into the field. Get to know your employees, ask for their ideas and understand their concerns. This is how a leader acts.

BillFitzPatrick.com, The Action Principles