Leading From the Front. Leading from the front or by example simply means we are demonstrating our leadership by going first. In many cases, this is accomplished by the leader doing the tough things first to show that they can be done.
In 2010, I was fortunate to have trained with Todd Parker. Todd’s experience as an Army Ranger, world-class athlete and personal trainer provides us with invaluable lessons.
He taught a spin class at a local fitness facility I belonged to. Todd’s leadership lessons still resonate with me today. The following are leadership lessons Todd taught.
“Leading from the Front” Lessons:
- Lead from the front. Don’t ask anyone to do anything that you would not do. Todd always led the class in front of the class. He always set a standard on behavior and expectations. What can you do to lead from the front?
- Get feedback to whatever you are doing. Todd emphasized the importance of listening to our or bodies. What feedback are we getting? How can we use this feedback?
- Growing is about being uncomfortable. Todd helped us to understand that in order to change and grow we are going to feel uncomfortable. How can we accept being uncomfortable? What can we learn from this?
- Keep instructions simple and easily understood. How can we keep instructions simple and understood?
- Teach your students the importance of self-motivation and goal setting. How are we integrating self-motivation into our goals and objectives?
- Associate with people who help you grow and challenge you. Who are our role models and mentors? What are we learning? Are we giving back to those leaders?
Let’s get started. Who is leading from the front? Who are role models? How can we learn these lessons?