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One of the most important actions, things a leader can do, is to lead by example. If you want everyone else to be passionate, committed, dedicated, and motivated, you go first!
Marshall Goldsmith
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Interpretation

What this quote means

A leader should demonstrate the qualities they wish to see in others by setting a personal example.

The quote by Marshall Goldsmith emphasizes the critical role of leading by example in effective leadership. It suggests that a true leader inspires and motivates their team not just through words, but through their own actions and dedication. By being passionate and committed themselves, leaders can cultivate similar qualities in others, fostering an environment of enthusiasm and purpose.

Themes

LeadershipExampleMotivationInspirationCommitment

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational workshop, a speaker might use this quote to illustrate the power of leading by example.

More from Marshall Goldsmith

Active questions are the alternative to passive questions. There is a huge difference between, 'Do you have clear goals?' and 'Did you do your best to set clear goals for yourself?' The former is trying to determine the employee's state of mind; the latter challenges the employee to describe or defend a course of action.
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Treat every piece of advice as a gift or a compliment and simply say, “Thank you.
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The only thing I don't think people don't understand about good leaders is that they're both good and lucky. A lot of it is timing.
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Life is short. Do whatever you can to help people - not for status, but because the 95-year-old you will be proud if you did help people and disappointed if you didn't.
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If we become aware of what's happening before we act, behaviour becomes a function of choice rather than a result of an impulse or trigger. You begin to control your world more as opposed to the outside world controlling you.
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A leader who is self-aware enough to know that he or she is not adept at everything is one who has taken the first step toward being a great leader.
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