If you don’t back it up with performance and hard work, talking doesn’t mean a thing.
I’ve always tried to lead by example. That is just my personality. I never led vocally. I never really tried to motivate by talking because I don’t think words ever mean as much action.
They always say a picture carries a thousand words. So I tried to paint a picture of hard work and discipline.
But a leader has to earn that title. You aren’t the leader just because you’re the best player on the team, the smartest person in the class, or the most popular. No one can give you that title either. You have to gain the respect of those around you by your actions. You have to be consistent in your approach whether it’s basketball practice, a sales meeting, or dealing with your family.
A leader can’t make any excuses. There has to be quality in everything you do. Off the court, on the court, in the classroom, on the playground, inside the meeting room, outside of work. You have to transfer those skills, that drive, to whatever environment you’re in.
And you have to be willing to sacrifice certain individual goals, if necessary, for the good of the team.
From "I Can't Accept Not Trying" by Michael Jordan
