The thirteenth law of the The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership is The Law of the Picture:

“People Do What People See”

The Law of the Picture summarizes what is often observed in human nature. People tend to mimic the behaviors of their leaders. When a leader demonstrates behaviors that lead to success, people that follow mimic those behaviors and succeed as well.

Great leaders must communicate their vision of a better future. But they must also model the vision. When times are tough and uncertainty is high, followers need a clear picture from their leaders.

Followers are always watching the leader. Employees do what their bosses do, not what they say. It’s easier to teach what’s right than to do what’s right. Nothing is easier than saying words. Nothing is harder than living them, day after day. There is nothing more convincing than people who give good advice and set a good example.

As a leader, you need to lead yourself first. Set high standards of excellence for yourself. Work the hardest and longest on improving yourself. Failing to lead by example creates a fuzzy picture to those you intend to lead. Work on changing yourself before trying to improve others. Avoid the temptation to try to change others without first making changes in yourself.

Summing-up: Good leaders recognize the importance of the example they set. When leaders show the way with their right actions, their followers copy their good example and succeed.