If I could choose to live in another time of history, I would gravitate toward the late 18th Century, during the Revolutionary Period. Then I think, there are things I wouldn’t enjoy so much, so I’ll be content with reading.
General Nicholas Herkimer was a great example of leadership by example, inspiring his men with the thought “If he can do it, then I can do it.”
Herkimer was shot in the leg at the battle of Oriskany (a wound which would lead to a botched amputation and the end of his life) but insisted on being propped up against a tree rather than retire. There he calmly smoked his pipe, gave direction to his troops and the story specifically says “shouted words of encouragement” to them.
Leaders inspire their teams by their own actions. And actions do speak louder than words.
Inspiring leadership grows from your own self-awareness – aware of what your actions are communicating to your people. From body language to your presence during difficult times, you can inspire or cause your team’s morale to plummet.