There are many characteristics that make up an authentic leader. Two are perhaps the most critical to attaining maximum effectiveness: leading through relationship and leading by example. Any clever individual can manipulate circumstances and people to accomplish tasks for a time. However, we can all think of leaders who have a reputation for being shallow, conniving, and untrustworthy. These individuals have severely damaged their capacity to influence and motivate others.
Consider leaders who have a natural magnetism; those who are admired and followed because of the respect that they have earned. A renowned military leader and the first U.S. president, George Washington, immediately comes to mind. This is a man who literally changed the course of a war, and a nation.
As the winter in Valley Forge became bitterly cold and other officers left to go home for the season, the hearts of the soldiers began to melt. The war was going poorly, supplies were running short, and there was little funding left to pay the remaining soldiers. Amazingly, despite these formidable obstacles, this was the turning point in the war for freedom which led to the birth of a nation. How did the revolutionary effort possibly succeed?
One officer, General George Washington, chose to stay with the men. In fact, he was the only officer to spend the entire winter in Valley Forge. The moment of decision came on December 31, 1776; the enlistment of the remaining army under Washington’s command would expire the next day. But the majority chose to stay anyway! Why? Because their leader asked them to stay and fight!
George Washington was able to inspire this type of loyalty and respect from his subordinates because he earned it by his presence at Valley Forge and through his relationship with his men. Washington would “walk the floor” often, praying for the soldiers and talking with them about the things that they held most important; their families, their fears, and their dreams. His men not only respected him for his humble yet confident leadership and willingness to “get down in the trenches” with them, but also for the genuine concern that he had for their lives and well-being.
I’m not suggesting that you ask your team members to work for no pay, and I’m certainly not insinuating that your company’s mission statement is cause enough to inspire the blind loyalty of employees. However, the characteristics and style George Washington demonstrated terrific methods that we can use to better motivate others and achieve a committed workforce.
In an age of office politics, leveraging, and “doing whatever it takes,” the leader who chooses to make the investment of relationship and the sacrifice of leading by example will consistently outshine the rest.
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