learn by watching

The technique of emulation is, in my own opinion, one of the primary concepts behind leading from the front and mentorship. I can honestly say that to this day I can still remember the Drill Sergeants and AIT Instructors who trained me 12 years ago and which of them I aspired to be like. Though situation will always dictate method, how effective is the yelling, cursing, or physical discipline if there is truly no lesson being taught behind it? Some look at the approach as being soft, but in the bigger picture of things leading requires far more than authority over others. So I for one can say that in the 8 years I've been a Noncommissioned Officer more have been willing to blindly follow when they see something in you that they to want to become. Very, very effective ways to train, lead, and mentor all around. 

Soldiers are always watching.  They are always taking in what they see.  If you do the right thing all the time, even in the face of unpopularity and adversity, they will see that and should strive to emulate that type of behavior.  On the flip side, if all you do day in and day out is curse, scream and yell, your Soldiers will tune you out, seek guidance and counsel elsewhere and you will become the topic of jokes and ridicule in the barracks in the evenings after COB.

"Smart people learn from their experience", "Wise people learn from other's experience".  I try to be in the "Wise" category as much as possible.