Leadership by Example

A sense of leadership is a valued trait in life. Each one of us is tasked to lead in one way or the other, at one time or another. Parents need to lead in their homes, as some workers need to lead at work; even little children sometimes have to lead their friends.

But a good leader has something distinctly special about him – he leads by good example. He embodies what he tells to others and is himself willing to do what he asks others to do.

A solid commitment to the cause or task at hand is an important mark of a leader. Without it, no leader will ever draw much outcome – not much reward for his efforts, not much support from others. One can expect to get only in proportion with what one is willing to give.

We admire and respect someone who is true to his words. We trust him who does what he says and keeps his promise. And such virtuous trait is contagious; it inspires others to emulate it.

Good leaders are living examples of the good principles they preach. They are fully committed, both to their respective undertakings and to their followers. Full commitment is their best example.

We more readily follow what we see than what we’re told. It’s hard to refuse one who asks for our help in cleaning the house if the person himself is holding a broom. We’re not likely to heed as easily if the person asking is comfortably sitting at the corner of the room.

In this season of Lent the Bible beckons with a lot of precious insights for reflection. There are teachings on leadership and commitment. Jesus said, “It is better to be hot as fire or cold as ice, because if you are lukewarm I will spit you out.” He always reminded his apostles of the importance of commitment to his Father’s cause.

Jesus showed the ultimate example of his total commitment to what he preached. He walked the road alone – to his death on the cross. What better act could have swayed the whole world to the new faith, not only his apostles and the people of that time but the countless generations since?

The story of Elijah is another example of total commitment. Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal and their idols. He told the non-believers that he would prove there was only one God.

Elijah cut up a sacrificial animal into pieces and offered it on the altar. He said, “If God does not honor my prayer, then your gods are real and you can kill me.” He then poured water over the sacrifice to clear any doubt as to the source of the fire.

Then, surrounded by his potential executioners, Elijah called out to the heavens for God to prove what he had claimed. Fire immediately came down and consumed his sacrifice, to the big astonishment of everyone around. Deep commitment that comes out of absolute faith always yields astonishing results.

The fire that came upon Elijah’s call was in proportion to the fire that he gave off in calling for it. Elijah had the fire of intense faith. When he was preparing to leave the earth, he asked his protégé, the prophet Elisha, what he wanted. Elisha asked for twice of Elijah’s spirit, and his mentor gave it to him.

Elisha got so much committed energy towards God that, years after his death, soldiers threw a dead man on top of Elisha’s grave and the dead man instantly bounced back to life.

You may take these Biblical stories as mere legend, but examples of the power of a leader’s passionate commitment are common even in our day and age. Mahatma Gandhi rallied a whole nation around his passive resistance against the English rule of India, with nothing but total commitment to his cause. Cory Aquino, fired up by her fallen husband’s commitment to political change, led the people in a peaceful revolution to become the first woman president of the Philippines.

There are many others whose good examples have become shining inspirations to all. They don’t only draw great admiration but deep affection, as well. Truly, deep commitment to what one believes in has power that can far extend his own personal significance.