Leading by Example

There are lessons in leadership all around us. Being open to learning from others can change your world view.

I grew up in a military family, so you could say I started learning about leadership before I could talk!

I began my formal leadership learning as a teenager when I joined Air Cadets. I shared some of my observations with my first mentors, my parents, as I learned from others.

I continued to learn about leadership throughout my military career, during leadership training offered to officers, from interactions with folks I worked with, and from a year long Leadership course while completing my MBA.

One of the most impactful leadership lessons came from a civilian staff member who worked for me, when I was a Major at 8 Wing Trenton.

As the annual International Women’s Day event approached, she asked me if I planned to attend. I told her I wasn’t sure that I would get anything out of the day, because my career was on track, and I already knew how to balance being mom to three young children, while working full time.

Her response stunned me and forever changed my view of events celebrating inclusion and diversity.

While the following text may not be her exact words, she said something along the lines of “Everyone know you have a busy job, Chantal. When you choose to show up and stay for the entire event, you will accomplish several things. First by being present as a senior officer, wife, and mother, you show that it is possible to have both a successful career and a family. Second, by staying for the entire event, you demonstrate that you value inclusion and diversity, by visibly investing your time and energy to interact with and learn from others.”

Since then, I have made a point of attending a variety of events celebrating inclusion and diversity throughout each year.

The most impactful lesson in how to lead by example came to me from a wise woman who had no formal leadership position.

Think about that for a moment…

There are lessons in leadership all around us. Be open to learning from others.

I encourage you to join me in a lifelong leadership learning journey.

And I look forward to seeing you at events celebrating inclusion and diversity!

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