💛 SELGrade 4Lesson 32
← Back🔒 PDF with full access

Leading by Example

Lesson preview: the Mini Lesson and Vocabulary are open to everyone. Guided practice, exercises, the parent checklist and the printable PDF worksheet come with full access (free 7-day trial or membership).

Learning Objectives

  • 1Explain what it means to lead by example
  • 2Describe how everyday actions influence the behavior of others
  • 3Distinguish between leading by example and bossing others around
  • 4Commit to a specific leading-by-example action
📘

Mini Lesson

Leading by example means showing others how to behave through your own actions rather than telling them what to do. When you act with integrity, kindness, and responsibility, others notice and are often inspired to do the same. Your everyday choices send a message — make it a positive one.

What Leading by Example Looks Like

  • Arriving on time and being prepared — it shows respect for everyone else.
  • Admitting a mistake and fixing it — it shows courage and honesty.
  • Including a newcomer — it creates a welcoming environment.
  • Staying calm when things go wrong — it helps others stay calm too.
  • Working hard even when no one is watching — it sets a standard.

The Ripple Effect of Your Actions

  • One person picks up litter — others follow.
  • One kid encourages a nervous teammate — confidence spreads.
  • One team member arrives prepared — others feel motivated to do the same.
  • Your actions create ripples that influence the people around you.

Leading by Example vs Being a Boss

  • A leader says "Let's all try this" and does it themselves.
  • A boss says "You should do this" but does not do it themselves.
  • Leading by example earns respect; being a boss often creates resentment.
  • You do not need a title or position — your actions lead.
Leading by Example Ripple EffectThe Ripple EffectYourActionOthers noticeOthers followBehavior spreads
Lead by Example vs BossLead by Example vs BossLead by ExampleBoss"Let's do this""You do this"Does it themselvesOnly tells othersEarns respectCreates resentmentActions inspireWords without actionNo title neededNeeds authority
💡

Tip: You are always leading by example — whether you choose to or not. Every action you take sets a model for others. Choose your example wisely.

Vocabulary
example
A person or action that others look at as a model to follow.
leadership
Using your influence and actions to guide and inspire others.
influence
The effect that one person's actions or words have on others' behavior.
action
Something you do, especially a deliberate one that others can observe.
inspire
To motivate others by your own behavior, enthusiasm, or achievement.
model
To show or demonstrate a behavior so that others can observe and follow it.
Free · 7 days · No credit card

Unlock the full HSEA system for 7 days.

Add your first kid profile and your 7 days start: every lesson in every grade, saved progress for each child. Nothing to set up, no card required, nothing to cancel.

  • ✓ All 1,680 lessons, Grades 1–6, every subject
  • ✓ Profiles + saved progress for every kid
  • ✓ Printable lessons with answer key
Start your 7-day free trial →
← Lesson 31: Resolving Conflicts PeacefullyLesson 33: Create a community service plan →