Lead By Example

There are a number of things I am adamant about in this world. But among all the rest, Leader & Leadership stand firmly on the top. I, unlike others, believe Leaders are born. I do believe that people can obtain certain Leadership qualities over time, but when it comes to being a Leader; I just think its in your D.N.A. Either one has it or they don't. I think a lot of people step in the position of Leader without understanding all the necessities and idiosyncrasies that come with the title of Leader. One of the most important attributes a Leader must understand is how to Lead By Example.

I have encountered individuals in this life who Lead by the mantra, "do as I say, not as I do." That's bull-malarky!!! People, especially, young people find themselves in the behaviors/mannerisms of others. For instance, if a young boy wants to be a rapper, he watches the behaviors/mannerisms of other rappers in the streets or on the television. In his young impressionable mind, whatever way those rappers act, he must take it to the next level to make it. Which usually doesn't end in a good fashion. The same is with a young girl who has a promiscuous older sister or mother. She doesn't know that men will say whatever it takes to get her on her back. All she knows is that her sister or mom dresses and acts a certain way, and as a result they are always in the company of men. She wants that attention, so she goes out of her way to do what she needs. Lets just say---potential tragedy.

Understanding that no matter what you do, someone is looking up to you is important. No matter how hard you try, you cannot avoid the responsibility of being a role model or Leader to the generations of today and tomorrow. While I know that it is up to the parents to raise their children, lets be honest, with the state of the economy, good parents are working twice as hard to make sure their children have the things they need just to survive. Thus, leaving the children no other option, but to seek other outlets to define and find themselves. Everyone is a Leader to someone. Is it fair, maybe not? But this is the way of the world. So, I write to encourage you all to be more cognizant of those around you, especially the little ones. If you don't Lead By Example, and I mean in a positive way, they may end up worse off then you, another statistic, and/or a life that meet its demise way too early.