Leadership is not a microphone—it’s a mirror. While strategies, speeches, and systems matter, what ultimately shapes people is not just what a leader says, but who they are and how they live. In a world full of noise and broken trust, what we need now more than ever is not more instruction, but example.
While strategies, speeches, and systems matter, what ultimately shapes people is not just what a leader says, but who they are and how they live
Being an example is not just a good old advice—it’s a timeless leadership principle. Jesus modeled this in no small way. The Apostles were said to have been with Jesus when the Jews saw their boldness and manifestation of power (Acts 4:13). The believers were called Christians (Christ-like) in Antioch due to the impact that the life of Christ had on them (Acts 11:26). Why exemplary leadership?
1. Your Life Is Louder Than Your Voice
People may hear your words, but they follow your actions. They learn how to lead, respond, serve, correct, and even grow—by watching you. The Apostle Paul urged the Corinthian believers to follow his example even as he followed Christ’s (1 Corinthians 11:1).
People may hear your words, but they follow your actions
- If you demand excellence but tolerate laziness in yourself, your words lose weight.
- If you preach integrity but cut corners, people won’t take your vision seriously.
“You reproduce what you are—not what you preach.”
2. Example Builds Culture
Whether in a sports team, a pharmacy, a start-up, or a classroom, example sets the tone. If you want a team that:
- Prays passionately,
- Works excellently,
- Honors time,
- Learns consistently, …start by modeling it. Christ depicted this by washing His disciples’ feet to teach them a lesson and build in them a culture of humility (John 13:3-15). He concluded this lesson by saying to them: “For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you” – John 13:15.
Culture doesn’t grow in silence—it grows by what is consistently seen and reinforced.
3. Example Inspires Trust and Loyalty
People follow leaders they trust. And trust is not built by charisma—it’s built by credibility. Christ lived among His disciples; therefore, His life was an open book to them. John confirmed this truth when he wrote: “So the Word became human and lived here on earth among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory, the glory of the only Son of the Father” – John 1:14. This account was presented by Jesus’ closest disciple (John, the beloved), who had very close contact with Him.
When your team sees you:
- Own your mistakes,
- Show up early,
- Speak respectfully,
- Live what you teach, they’ll trust your leadership, and give their best without being forced.
And trust is not built by charisma—it’s built by credibility
Inconsistent leaders demand. Authentic leaders inspire.
4. Example Trains Future Leaders
If you want to multiply your leadership, don’t just train leaders—show them how leadership works. You are the curriculum. Your choices, your temperament, your priorities—these become the model others learn from. Little wonder, the Church is where it is today by the great influence of Christ’s exemplary leadership. The leadership influence Christ had on his twelve disciples translated into a massive increase in the number of disciples in the early Church (Acts 5:14; 6:1), and this trend has continued unabated through the ages despite the continuous persecution of the Church.
Mentorship is not just transfer of knowledge—it’s transfer of lifestyle.
5. Even Silence Speaks
There will be times when you don’t have the answers. Moments when you feel like you’re not “doing enough.” But your example—even in waiting, learning, growing, or enduring—is still leadership in motion. You are teaching even when you’re not talking. Christ’s influence on us is so strong that even long after He was gone, we’re still modeling His life and reflecting His nature as we walk in His steps (1 Peter 2:21; 1 John 4:17).
Final Thoughts: Be Worth Following
There’s a leadership crisis in our generation—not because of a lack of passion, but because of a lack of examples. We need leaders who are not just gifted—but grounded. Not just visible—but valuable.
“Your team, your children, your mentees—they are all watching. And they will become what you consistently are.”
Be the example that builds others.
It’s Your Turn
What example are you setting today? Take a moment to reflect—and commit to leading with integrity, not just intention.
Share this article with someone in leadership and leave a comment—what’s one area where you’re striving to be a better example?
Let’s raise a generation of leaders worth following.
World Changers Magazine 