Lead By Example

I am currently completing a Bible Study on leadership, "Rising to the Call of Leadership" by Kay Arthur. She has looked at several leaders in the Bible by identifying their character and type of leader they were.
As a leader, I enjoy reading books on leadership. In this study, I see the positive and negative leadership qualities and I have learned that just because someone has a title doesn't make them a leader. I think I have known that but it is validating to read in scripture.
I believe God has called me to be a principal at an elementary school and I pray every day that God would use me and that I would allow Him to use me to do His work. Part of that is by living a life of example. I am far from perfect and know I have many flaws and human traits that cause me to make mistakes and stumble.
Here are just a few ideas I have gleaned from my Bible study about "Leading by Example:"
1. Pray every day for yourself, your staff, your students/parents and the purpose and goal of your institution.
2. Seek God's guidance in everything.
3. Recognize and acknowledge when you have erred to your staff. I feel strongly that subordinates need to know that their "boss" is human.
4. Never ask your staff to do something you wouldn't do or couldn't do.
5. Forgive those that have wronged you. People will make mistakes that impact us so it may be hard to not take it personally. In situations like that, we need to lead by example and forgive. Not just in words but also in deed.
6. Ask for help. No one can do everything on their own. We all need help now and then so ask for it. You may be surprised to find how eager your staff is to help. They are just waiting to be asked. This will give them the courage to ask for help when they need it.
7. Let some things go. Not everything needs to be analyzed, fixed or handled. Some times it's best to let it go.
8. Have fun-laugh. If you are smiling, laughing and enjoying your job, your staff will follow your lead. You certainly can't boss someone into having fun or laughing if you aren't.
9. Let them see you sweat! Whoever said, never let them see you sweat, wasn't being realistic or human. Your staff needs to know that you are human-that you cry, laugh, bleed and sweat just like the rest. Your humanness will make you more approachable and teach your staff that no one is without blemish or spot.
10. Give credit where credit is due-God, colleagues, staff, family...By showing your staff that you don't know it all or come up with all of the wonderful ideas, lets them know that their opinions and ideas are valued, respected and recognized. It also demonstrates humility and that trait needs to be seen not heard.