Leading by Example

Ever had a boss who would wax eloquent on the virtues of punctuality, but would himself turn up late to office every other day? Ask you to never ever compromise on quality, but would be the first one to do so when faced with a looming delivery deadline? Forever chant the “Customer Is Always Right” mantra, but bemoan about a client’s stupidity to anyone who cared to listen?

If you have worked under such a leader, then you are likely to have experienced frequent bouts of disappointment, betrayal and disenchantment with your boss and your organization.

Leaders who practice the "Do as I say, not as I do" philosophy are the greatest “morale busters” an organization can have. They gradually destroy a team’s passion and enthusiasm, and spawn a culture of cynicism and distrust among the members.

Being a role model is the most important aspect of being a leader. A team always looks up to its leader for support, strength, guidance and motivation. So it becomes imperative for a leader to “walk the talk” and lead by example.

Several inspirational leaders from various spheres of life (corporate, political, religious, etc) have left their indelible footprints on the sands of time. Mahatma Gandhi was one such icon.

“My life is my message”, said Gandhi. And sure it was!

Born to the Diwan (Prime Minister) of Porbander, a small princely state in British India, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi trained to be a barrister at the University College London. It was during his stint as a lawyer in South Africa that he pioneered Satyagraha (devotion to truth), or non-violent civil disobedience, to fight against racial discrimination and assist in the resident Indian community’s struggle for civil rights. After his return to India, Gandhi spearheaded several nationwide campaigns to reduce poverty, expand women's rights, build religious and ethnic harmony, eradicate untouchability, and improve economic self-reliance. Most importantly, he fought for Swaraj (complete individual, spiritual, political independence from foreign domination) and led India to Independence.

So what was it about Gandhi that motivated millions of people to take on the mighty British Empire not with weapons but with Ahimsa (non-violence) and Satya (truth)?

Very simple. Gandhi practiced what he preached. He led by example!

He lived by his principles of non-violence and truth. As an advocate for simple living, he renounced his western lifestyle and lived modestly in a self-sufficient residential community. He also gave up his western attire for the traditional Indian dhoti and shawl, woven with yarn he handspun on a charkha (spinning wheel). He ate simple vegetarian food, and undertook long fasts as a means of both social protest and self-purification.

Since Gandhi always did what he said and said what he did, he built a tremendous amount of trust, faith and loyalty among his followers. They knew that he would never ask them to do something which he would not do himself. Under his inspirational leadership, Gandhi managed to bring together Indians from across diverse segments of society and made them work unitedly towards a common goal. And succeeded in making the impossible possible… winning India's Independence without fighting a bloody war!

According to Gandhi, “An ounce of practice is worth more than tons of preaching”. There's no arguing with that one!