lead by example
Verb
Meaning
lead by example (third-person singular simple present leads by example, present participle leading by example, simple past and past participle led by example)
To show the way or demonstrate a technique to individuals or a group by going ahead or doing something before the others.
Antonyms
Examples
Parents must lead by example. Don't use the cliche; do as I say and not as I do. We are our children's first and most important role models.
But I also hold the very strong view that republicans need to lead by example.
Life is never going to be perfect, as much as we want it to be, and I have to lead by example.
It is one thing to lead by example with half a dozen soldiers at your back. It is wholly another with ten thousand.
I'm a practitioner of elegant frugality. I don't feel comfortable telling other people what to do, so I just try and lead by example.
As a leader, these attributes - confidence, perseverance, work ethic and good sense - are all things I look for in people. I also try to lead by example and create an environment where good questions and good ideas can come from anyone.