In life and leadership, people often focus on giving examples. We narrate stories, share case studies, and quote others to inspire or teach. But the real power lies in being an example — when your actions, values, and consistency silently influence others without a word spoken.
The Difference
- Giving Examples
- Explaining the success stories of great people.
- Quoting leaders or sharing lessons from books.
- Narrating “do’s and don’ts” during talks.
- Being an Example
- Living those values in your journey.
- Showing resilience in challenges instead of only talking about positivity.
- Leading your teams and communities with the same principles you encourage others to adopt.
People may forget the examples you share, but they will rarely forget the example you set through your actions.
Steps to Be an Example
- Define Your Core Values
- I chose growth, consistency, and service as guiding values.
- From coding as a junior developer to leading engineering as a Head of Department, clarity in values became my compass.
- Start Small but Be Consistent
- I began my journey by learning continuously and sharing openly.
- Over the years, consistency in small habits — delivering on commitments, showing up on time, staying prepared — built trust.
- Lead with Actions, Not Instructions
- I don’t just talk about Agile and collaboration — I practice it by sitting with teams, removing blockers, and working hands-on when needed.
- During conferences and meetups, I didn’t just “ask others to volunteer” — I rolled up my sleeves and organized, proving commitment in action.
- Accept Mistakes and Show Accountability
- Not every project went smoothly. I’ve faced setbacks — whether in technology deployments, event management, or team challenges.
- However, by openly acknowledging mistakes and working to rectify them, I demonstrated that leadership is about accountability, not perfection.
- Stay Resilient in Tough Times
- Whether balancing healthcare compliance challenges (HIPAA, NHS UK) or ensuring successful product releases under pressure, resilience became my signal.
- Instead of stressing the team, I focused on finding solutions and making calm, informed decisions.
- Invest in Others Selflessly
- Through Agile Pakistan, Aspire Breakfast Club, and mentoring individuals, I dedicated time to uplifting others.
- I didn’t wait for “the right time” or perfect circumstances — I simply started contributing.
My Journey as an Example
- From a PHP developer in 2006 to becoming Head of Engineering in a multinational setting, I didn’t just talk about growth — I lived it step by step.
- By organizing conferences and community initiatives, I showed that impact is made by action, not intention.
- By mentoring peers and juniors, I proved that leadership is not about holding a title but about enabling others.
Key Takeaways
- People follow what you do, not just what you say.
- Giving examples can inspire, but being an example transforms.
- Consistency > Intensity: small, consistent actions build lasting influence.
- Your daily life is your biggest classroom for others.
Final Thought: My journey taught me that anyone can give examples, but the real change happens when you become an example yourself.