Monday, March 12, 2012

'Lead by example' is not just a cliché!

Last night I watched a documentary on D-Day. One segment included a great story of leadership. The allied soldiers found themselves pinned between the cliffs below the Nazi fortifications and the exposed beach. General Norman "Dutch" Cota rallied the nearby allied soldiers and they rushed one of the Nazi fortified gunner positions. Cota lead the charge.

This principal holds true in business. You can lead by example. When every one else is scared or they simply don't know what to do, a leader must be willing to throw himself in the trenches and show them the way. I don't know about Cota, but most leaders get scared just the same as everyone else. The difference is they don't lose their heads, they don't give up, they don't acquiesce. They take courage, make a plan and move forward.


Whatever is blocking you from getting out of your pinned position, finding a job, increasing sales for your team, or whatever, take a page from General Cota's book. Take courage, make a plan and move forward. That will inspire others and they will follow.

No comments:

Post a Comment