Practices of Exemplary Leadership
"A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way" -John C. Maxwell
"Model the Way"
As a leader it is important to not only know the way but show the way. Leaders are often looked up to and used as an example to others. In my personal leadership, I have made it a point to not just tell people what needs to be done but do it with them and set an example. When I was in high school, I was a section leader in our marching band. We got the information across in the most effective way by modeling. The best leaders I know did not stand there and point fingers, they showed us the way while working with us, and that builds community.
"Encourage the Heart"
Leaders need to keep their peers motivated. A motivated team is a hard-working team and those are the best to be apart of. In high school, I was on our tennis team and the seniors would always encourage the underclassmen to work hard, give your all, and accept failure. We encouraged one another, so when the underclassmen grew up they would take on the same role and they would be the new leaders that people would look up to. Encouraging the heart also builds a sense of community just like modeling the way does.