Lead NOT by Example - 'Do as I say, not as (I do) I've done'?

SGM Matthew Quick — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 09:34:34 -0500

Many leaders 'Lead by Example' and there are still some who hold on to the 'Do as I say (or recommend), not as I do (or have done)'.

When is it 'OK' to 'Lead NOT by Example'?

Please share your personal experiences/opinions and examples.

Response by CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2013 9:50 AM

CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 09:50:47 -0500

MSG Quick:
Your question reminded me of a time I was sweeping my own chapel in Iraq. I had ditched my blouse, and was cleaning my chapel because my Chaplain's Assistant had been going full bore, for quite some time, and was, exhausted. My CSM stopped by the chapel and "caught" me doing the right thing. He smiled, and simply said "Soldier, if you see the Chaplain, can you tell him I'm looking for him?" He laughed and walked away.

I have always been taught that it is bad leadership to ask a subordinate to do anything you're unwilling to do yourself. Similarly, as a Chaplain, you put your life and security into the hands of the enlisted. If you're going to trust them with your life, it is wise to treat them really really well.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2013 5:08 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 17:08:30 -0500

When you want what is best for your Soldiers even though you may not be the best example. I tell my Soldiers to take full advantage of Tuition Assistance. Have I? Well, no, but I'll be damned if I set them up for failure. I tell them "This is what I learned from doing things this way and I want better for you than this."

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2013 6:13 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 18:13:21 -0500

I had kept busy as an observer and forecaster and when I trained new people I was keeping the place clean and the work was done right. My performance reports said my charges did very well, qualified faster and were among the top performers. I took pride in what I did and I believe they saw that in me. I have no respect for the lazy and unmotivated.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2014 9:52 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 09:52:28 -0400

Part of life's lessons are telling others to do things differently than you did, and doing them differently yourself if given a second chance. That is a process called learning from your mistakes. Now asking a Soldier to do something that you would not do yourself is something totally different. We all make mistakes, and if we ever get to the point where we are not making mistakes, then it is time for a REAL self evaluation as it is a never ending cycle of making mistakes and learning.