Lead by Example

Post by Bryce Martin, Georgia College ’10

Leadership can be defined in many ways, but to me the most important part is actually leading by example. A good leader teaches and carries himself by the values he wishes to instill in those he teaches. After all, you can’t expect others to follow you if you aren’t willing to do what you are asking them to do.

In the summer of 2010, after my first year of college, I attended Officer Candidate School for the United States Marine Core in Quantico, Virginia. Upon graduation, I will become an officer and pilot for Marine Core. Leadership is the heaviest topic you are evaluated on while at OCS. I learned that to be a good leader you must make sacrifices for your men. You must earn the trust and respect of your men, you have to keep your bearing and always have to address their questions or concerns. This is just the same as being a leader in Delta Sigma Phi, whether you serve on the executive board, hold a chair position or just a member of the chapter you always have the opportunity be a leader.

A prime example of a key leadership role in the Fraternity is the new member educator. You are trusted with teaching new members the values and true meaning of Delta Sigma Phi. You teach them how to act and carry themselves in way that will better themselves and the Fraternity as whole. As their leader, you must approach with a “practice while you preach” mentality and guide them in a way that earns respect, not fear.

Leading by example is key, not only in the Fraternity but also in your everyday life. People notice everything you do, and you want them to notice your positive aspects. You can always learn from your mistakes and can hopefully lessen the mistakes you make. There is always room for improvement and a good leader recognizes this, a good leader prepares himself and his men for the events to come.