As an “insider”, I can’t help but laugh at your key point–>”It’s not that complicated – the best way to be a real leader is to simply ACT like one, instead of just talking like one.”

It’s so true. And I don’t even know where to begin to respond. So I’ll just offer this to the discussion. “Act with Authenticity”.

The truth is that people want to be inspired. Even when the leader doesn’t have the answers, people will follow you if you show them that you care and you enlist their support and contribution as part of the solution.

It’s called having a genuine conversation about the challenges and what it’s going to take to get there. Meaning what you say and then keeping your actions congruent with inspite of the obstacles.

A couple of days ago I had a passionate face to face conversation with someone about the customer experience. I said to her, I can’t give you the “Care” DNA. I can’t force you (not her but “them”) to care about the customer. Either you do or don’t. But it starts there.

So I agree, Leading by telling is ineffective. But leading by example inspires!

Thanks for my inspiration today!

~Marian
http://twitter.com/mariansparks

All the best,
Terry

I heard, echoing through our office the other day, “If you’re not going to lead, get the hell out of the way…” — or was that in my own head?

ANYWAY… thanks for always keeping the light on. It’s so much easier to see with you around.

Keep Cooking!
Andrew