You can either contribute to the problem or take responsibility for shaping the solution. Leadership isn’t just about having influence, it’s about living out the values you expect from others.

The Weight of Personal Example

Actions speak louder than words, and those closest to you often mirror your behavior. If you wish to inspire integrity, kindness, or discipline, consistency is key. Preaching values while acting against them creates confusion and breeds hypocrisy; ultimately undermining trust and credibility.

Building with Both Hands

Francis Bacon encapsulates this perfectly:
“He that gives good advice builds with one hand; he that gives good counsel and example, builds with both; but he that gives good admonition and bad example, builds with one hand and pulls down the other.”

Offering guidance without embodying it weakens your influence. Real leadership comes from aligning your words with your actions. This is what earns respect, fosters genuine impact, and cultivates meaningful change.

A Legacy of Integrity

To lead effectively, strive to be the standard rather than just setting one. Influence isn’t enforced, it’s earned through consistency, authenticity, and unwavering commitment to principles. In every interaction, in every choice, lead with integrity and watch how others follow.