Leadership by Example, It’s Not Just for the Military
Organizations that have enjoyed extraordinary success, have leaders that have led by example.
“Ductus Exemplo” is Latin, translated “Lead by Example”. The concept is foundational to how United States Navy officers are trained to lead. This motto is also prominently displayed at the United States Marine Corps Officer Candidate School. Officers must set the example for their troops in every aspect of their life-both on the battlefield and off.
Leaders whose words and actions are one in the same.
I remember those days on the aircraft carrier when aircraft were launching 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The operations tempo was extraordinary with United States Navy flight deck officers, aircrews and maintainers working tirelessly launching and recovering aircraft. Safely.
I remember seeing flight deck and squadron officers working with enlisted leadership on the carrier deck, ensuring their folks were constantly learning by giving positive, constructive feedback. They were well taken care of and they were part of a tight knit high performing team.
Leadership by Example. This is not just for military members. My experience in business has shown me that this characteristic is valuable in leading any organization or team successfully.
Leadership skills are for everyone. You can lead by example no matter what your current role is: executive, mother, father, manager, shop floor supervisor, or line worker.
A couple of thoughts on this:
- Don’t try to b.s. the troops. The buck stops with you.
- Lead by example instead of from a chair at a distance. Get involved.
- Do what’s right.
- Do what’s honorable.
- Lead with courage.
A leader leads by example, whether he intends to or not.
“Ductus Exemplo”. Lead by Example.
I can’t think of a better motto for any organization in the Pursuit of Excellence to adopt.
Carey Lohrenz is the author of the Wall Street Journal Best Seller “Fearless Leadership: High-Performance Lessons from the Flight Deck.”, a motivational speaker and leadership expert.
Carey has flown missions worldwide as a combat-mission-ready United States Navy F-14 Tomcat pilot. Her extensive experience operating in one of the world’s most challenging environments, an aircraft carrier, and her unique position as one of the first female combat pilots make her the perfect opening or closing inspirational keynote speaker for your corporate meeting or conference.
Carey graduated from the University of Wisconsin where she was a varsity rower, also training at the Pre-Olympic level. After graduation, she attended the Navy’s Aviation Officer Candidate School before starting flight training and her naval career. She is the mother of four kids, and is currently working on her Master’s in Business Administration in Strategic Leadership.
