People are much more likely to follow a leader when they believe in that leader. Unfortunately, what leaders often have to say to their followers can directly conflict with their followers' beliefs and long standing habits. The results are chaos, arguing, and poor performance. Whenever that happens, your best bet is to step back and lead through example, like Benjamin Franklin did in the following story.
Evidentially, when Mr. Franklin learned that fields scattered with plaster produced a better crop, he tried to share the information with his neighbors only to be argued with by some, ridiculed by others, and ignored by most.
Not a man to waste time on words, he simply went about planting his own field. Next to the road, where people could see the emerging grain as they passed, Mr. Franklin traced some letters with his fingers and then lined the tracings with plaster. He then sowed seeds into the entire field. Once the seeds began to sprout, passers- by were surprised to see words in the field; clear for all to read, as the plants were a brighter green than the rest of the field. The words said, "This has been plastered."
People believe what they see for themselves, so if you are having trouble convincing others to follow you, perhaps you should find a way to show them a truth rather than tell them a truth.
Leadership through example requires a sense of humor, a great deal of patience, and a basic understanding of human nature.
Instead of complaining that people don't listen, a leader through example creates situations that compel attention. Instead of complaining that people don't follow through, a leader by example discovers ways to make people want to follow through. Instead of complaining about the closed minds of others, a leader by example designs and asks questions that expand a person's mind.
Evidentially, when Mr. Franklin learned that fields scattered with plaster produced a better crop, he tried to share the information with his neighbors only to be argued with by some, ridiculed by others, and ignored by most.
Not a man to waste time on words, he simply went about planting his own field. Next to the road, where people could see the emerging grain as they passed, Mr. Franklin traced some letters with his fingers and then lined the tracings with plaster. He then sowed seeds into the entire field. Once the seeds began to sprout, passers- by were surprised to see words in the field; clear for all to read, as the plants were a brighter green than the rest of the field. The words said, "This has been plastered."
People believe what they see for themselves, so if you are having trouble convincing others to follow you, perhaps you should find a way to show them a truth rather than tell them a truth.
Leadership through example requires a sense of humor, a great deal of patience, and a basic understanding of human nature.
Instead of complaining that people don't listen, a leader through example creates situations that compel attention. Instead of complaining that people don't follow through, a leader by example discovers ways to make people want to follow through. Instead of complaining about the closed minds of others, a leader by example designs and asks questions that expand a person's mind.
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