“Example is leadership. Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing.”

~ Albert Schweitzer

We all set an example for others everyday as we live our lives. We may set a good example or we may be the poster child of what not to do. No matter your age, rank, position, sex, hair color, wealth or any other qualifier, you set an example for those around you.

Billy, 7, sets an example for 6-year-old Sam. Airmen 1st Class Smith sets an example for Charlie Civilian. Mommy and daddy set an example for their children.

I love this story about the example a minister set for young Harold.

A minister was mending his chicken fence when he noticed a neighbor’s son paying attention to the job. The clergyman asked kindly, “Getting some pointers on carpentry, Harold?”

“No sir,” the boy replied. “I’m just waiting to hear what a preacher says when he mashes his thumb with the hammer!”

We all set an example, even when we aren’t aware of it. In this day and time of social media, you never know what might be observed. The daily news and tabloid headlines are full of people setting examples that may or may not be worthy of emulating.

So what’s the moral of the story? In all we do, in all we say, let’s ask ourselves the question, “How is my example influencing others?”