Speak, Listen and Do

In general, there are three ways we can lead:

1. Speak
2. Listen
3. Do

They are all crucial and important. As a parent I would rank them in the following order of importance though:

1. Do
2. Listen
3. Speak

My kids will remember less of what I have said to them and more of what I have done. What I do will be much more profound than what I say. I can say stuff all day about what's right and wrong, but really they will take their queues from what I do, not say.

And more often than not, listening to them will be more profound than speaking to them.

I'm not minimizing the need and important of words here. Words are of utmost important once value. You can create and destroy someone simply by using words. The point here is that while your words are of utmost value, your actions carry even more impact. And often times your ears can be more effective than your words. But it all matters.

If you prioritize them in the order of Do, Listen and then Speak, you will be much more effective in parenting, leadership and relationships in general.