We are taught from an early age to work hard.

Working hard is admirable and typically produces worthwhile results in any profession.

Are you a hard worker?

Do you show up early, work hard, and stay late?

Do you strive to be the best leader you can be?

Do you teach, mentor, and help others?

Like most leaders, I imagine you work hard to set a positive example.

How much time do you spend working on yourself?

As Leslie and I recently reflected on one of our devotionals, I shared that I’ve had a longstanding habit of trying to be “helpful” in ways that aren’t always . . . well . . . helpful.

Self-admittedly, my help has occasionally been unsolicited, unwarranted, and unwelcome.

Looking back, my heart breaks for the people I’ve hurt or frustrated because of my misplaced desire to improve their situation or life.

While I’m saddened by some of the pain I’ve caused, I’m grateful for the lessons those mistakes have taught me.

I’ve become sharper because of them.

My self-improvement journey has revealed that one of the most effective ways to help others is to improve myself first.

Directing your efforts toward growing yourself rather than changing others usually yields a greater return.

People are often more inspired by what you do than what you say. As a leader, which is more powerful—your words or your example?