All leaders change the lives of others. Some leaders change the world. Mahatma Gandhi was a man who dramatically changed his world. In a world that was filled with racial injustice, he courageously led a movement of non-violent resistance that led to India’s independence from British rule. As a civil rights activist, he spent many years in prison unjustly, and was ultimately assassinated. His death was mourned by millions in every country in this world. Although slight in physical stature, he is regarded as one of the most powerful and influential leaders in history.
Gandhi is often quoted for one of the most profound statements that has ever been uttered by a leader. He insightfully expressed, “You must become the change you want to see in the world.” His point was that every individual has the ability to become the change they want to see in the world. This quote has major application to the world of leadership. Leaders will only be trusted and viewed as credible in the eyes of others, when they become the change they want to see in their people. I spend my life helping business owners, and their leaders, define the culture they want to create and perpetuate within their organizations. I am constantly reminding leaders that until they become the change they want to see in others, their people will never take their culture discussions seriously. Healthy cultures originate with leaders who live their professed culture.
The leadership principle of leading by example is timeless. It is relevant in every culture, and in every period of history. The principle of becoming the change you want to see in others is the equivalent of leading by example. As leaders, we will motivate others to make the changes they need to make, when they see their leaders modeling that change which requires leaders to lead by example at all times, regardless of the circumstances. If leaders want their people to excel in listening to others, they must become the change they want to see in their people by modeling excellent listening skills. If leaders want their people to excel in their relationships with others, they must become the change they want to see in their people by modeling excellent people skills. If leaders want their people to excel in being accountable to others, they must become the change they want to see in their people by modeling excellent accountability skills. If leaders want their people to excel in their customer service skills, they must become the change they want to see in their people by modeling excellent customer service skills. Leaders must walk their talk if they expect others to follow them. As leaders, we must earn the right to be followed.
In every realm of life, more is caught than is taught! If parents say one thing to their children and do another, their children start tuning them out because actions speak louder than words. If politicians say one thing and do another, their constituents start tuning them out because actions speak louder than words. If someone professes to believe one thing and practices another, people will label them as hypocrites, and start tuning them out because actions speak louder than words. If a leader says one thing and does another, their people start tuning them out because actions speak louder than words. Of all of the challenges that a leader could ever receive, the challenge of becoming the change we want to see in others may be the greatest challenge of all. Have you been looking for ways to produce positive change in the lives of your people? Start with yourself. Focus on becoming the change you want to see in them. The results will amaze you.
