I've studied hundreds of leaders who think they "lead by example."...
Coach AJ 🎯 Mental Fitness@coachajkings
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Aug 22, 2025
~2 min read
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I've studied hundreds of leaders who think they "lead by example."
Most are doing it backwards.
They obsess over what they DO. But people actually follow WHO you are when no one's watching.
Here are the 5 things great leaders master that average ones completely miss:🧵
Most are doing it backwards.
They obsess over what they DO. But people actually follow WHO you are when no one's watching.
Here are the 5 things great leaders master that average ones completely miss:🧵
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1: Relationships
Dick Vermeil said, "The number one concept is to make sure people know you care. If you want to win over a person, first you have to win over their heart."
Great leaders care and consistently show up for others.
They know relationships aren't a one-time event.
Dick Vermeil said, "The number one concept is to make sure people know you care. If you want to win over a person, first you have to win over their heart."
Great leaders care and consistently show up for others.
They know relationships aren't a one-time event.
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2: Character
People want to follow someone they respect. It means:
• Consistency between your words and actions.
• Integrity when no one is watching.
• Humility when you're wrong.
• Self-discipline every day.
Choose to be a person of character - it's louder than your title.
People want to follow someone they respect. It means:
• Consistency between your words and actions.
• Integrity when no one is watching.
• Humility when you're wrong.
• Self-discipline every day.
Choose to be a person of character - it's louder than your title.
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3: Growth
Tony Dungy said, "If you only coach that person on the field and you only make them a better player, you've really missed a great opportunity."
Great leaders think growth first.
They look to develop people and their skills.
They create more leaders not followers
Tony Dungy said, "If you only coach that person on the field and you only make them a better player, you've really missed a great opportunity."
Great leaders think growth first.
They look to develop people and their skills.
They create more leaders not followers
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4: Resilience
How you respond to adversity becomes the model for everyone else.
• Show perseverance when things get tough
• Work together instead of pointing fingers
• Maintain hope when others lose faith
People follow your attitude and actions, not your words.
How you respond to adversity becomes the model for everyone else.
• Show perseverance when things get tough
• Work together instead of pointing fingers
• Maintain hope when others lose faith
People follow your attitude and actions, not your words.
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5: Excellence
Excellence is the daily mindset and standard they set.
• High standards in everything they do
• Positive energy even when it's tough
• Commitment to getting better not just good enough
Great leaders hold you to a high standard. They balance care with demanding.
Excellence is the daily mindset and standard they set.
• High standards in everything they do
• Positive energy even when it's tough
• Commitment to getting better not just good enough
Great leaders hold you to a high standard. They balance care with demanding.
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The truth about leading by example:
People don't follow what you say - they follow who you are when no one's watching.
It's about consistency in these 5 things:
1: Relationships
2: Character
3: Growth
4: Resilience
5: Excellence
Leadership isn't a position. It's a presence.
People don't follow what you say - they follow who you are when no one's watching.
It's about consistency in these 5 things:
1: Relationships
2: Character
3: Growth
4: Resilience
5: Excellence
Leadership isn't a position. It's a presence.
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3-minute read packed with actionable ideas on mindset, resilience, and leadership. Join today: thegrowthcompass.beehiiv.com
