HR Advice: Show, Don’t Tell

People have always been more impressed by the power of our example than by the example of our power.
–Bill Clinton at the Democratic National Convention, Aug. 27, 2008

Former President Bill Clinton said that last night during his speech at the Democratic convention. I thought it was a clever turn of a phrase that applies to nations, leaders, and HR. If we want to be great in human resources, let’s show people the way and not just get them to bend under our will.

Posted on August 28, 2008 by Frank Roche
Filed Under KnowHR

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Ron Ulrici 4 months ago 1 point
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Frank,

You and I both learned from the Democratic Convention (see my blog).

Anyway, leading by example is a powerful tool. This is especially true in the parenting role. Studies have shown that children learn much more by your example, than by what you say.

I also think leadership is coining cool phrases like politicians do. We remember them - like "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." Funny, we might remember this one, but we have seemed to have forgotten the message,,,

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http://www.randsassociates.com/blog/

Wally Bock 4 months ago 1 point
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Great post, Frank. I offer a similar quote from the best CO I had in the Marines: "There is no leadership unless there is leadership by example."

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http://blog.threestarleadership.com

Frank 4 months ago 1 point
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Thanks, Wally. And that is one great leadership quote. It's just so right on. Too many times "leaders" think they can tell people what to do. Maybe that works once in a while, but real leadership is demonstrated.

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