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“Children have never been good at listening to what their parents tell them, but they never fail to imitate them.” James Baldwin
I love this quote because it is nothing short of the truth. This does not only apply to children, but this concept is a very important concept to grasp when you are trying to influence people. It is related to a famous Mahatma Ghandi Quote; “be the change you want to see in the world.”
If you want people to act in a certain way you must first embody what you are preaching. Simply Practice what you preach. I do not say this in a self-righteous way either because I know from personal experience that when I have not practiced what I preach people were less likely to acknowledge what I had to say.
A great example of this is Nathan Buckley. In my first year at Collingwood ‘Bucks’ was the Captain. From day one I witnessed a champion go about his daily business. It was a tremendous learning experience for me. Bucks set very high standards for the group and would not be afraid to let his teammates know if they dropped below those standards. He always maintained his position on setting high standards for the group because he embodied everything that he was asking of the group.
I remember him saying to me once, ” I would never ask anyone to do something unless I did not do it myself.” Through this he was able to be a champion leader. And although at times he was tough in his approach, he still had tremendous respect amongst the playing group because he was doing everything that he asked of people.
One question I ask today; Are you being the change you want to see in the world?
Live for hope
Harry O
