The word convinces, the example drags!


Roberto Trigueiro Fontes


He who is willing to lead, command, whatever it may, has to bear in mind that he represents a paradigm for those he intends to lead. It is not enough to think that the jargon “do what I say, do not do what I do” will set the standards for those who are led to give the very best of them, because no one respects those who do not respect themselves.

Machiavelli taught that it was preferable for a king to be feared then to be loved. Perhaps in those days that line of thought was more appropriate, but nowadays, with the evolution of the concepts of democracy and dignity, it is assumable that few are those who can tolerate a hated leader.

Obviously I speak of situations related to the day-to-day human coexistence in working matters, social and family affairs, never in extreme situations such as wars or the struggle for survival in face of the most absolute lack of human condition.

That being stated, if the concept that the word, many time used skillfully by people in situations of command, can convince a group to take this or that attitude, there is no doubt that, if emanated from someone who exemplifies the speech, it has a distinct and a more consistent weight.

When I first heard this expression, I immediately identified with it. Not because I thought it was the best of examples, but because I have always been concerned of being a paradigm for my working

team. I always remember that I enjoyed the opportunity, even in simple situations, to set the example of how to behave in this or that environment, in this or that situation. From here on out I affirm that I have nothing done but to follow what I have learned from others more experienced and competent people than me, who served, and still serve, as paradigms for myself.

In order to quote an example, I enjoy picking up a paper clip that is carelessly forgotten in the ground and place it in a theatrical way inside the recipient on the table of the staff member who always, and I mean always, stay wordless when realizes he himself should have had this effortless care. After all, this simple attitude shows organization, concern with the appearance of the working place and economic spirit, all gathered in such a peculiar gesture.

Accordingly, this phrase is used in the Armed Forces, what it seems to make sense. Independently of this statement, I believe that it must be used by each of us, throughout our lives, over all if we be fortunate and have bigger volume of virtues than defects. What a great example to be followed, imitated, adopted. People with this dom, with this capacity, will be missed when they quit this life. But if they leave, certainly their memory keep alive and exceed their existence.

It must be satisfactory to know that your name will remain being pronounced for whom that at least lived in your lifetime. Happy is who understands the duty that has to be fulfilled and accomplishes it by means of its own conduct.