Throughout life, we are influenced by those around us. As babies and young children, we see our parents and, knowing no differently, mimic what they do and what they say. As teenagers, our parents become dumb as rocks and we follow the cool peers around us, good or bad. New to the workforce and, wanting to get ahead, we mimic the actions of our boss and others in leadership positions. This, really, doesn't end as we get older. It is, really, a lifelong endeavor if we wish to get along with the people in all groups we associate or aspire to associate with.

The other side of this equation is that we, also, influence others whether as parents, business leaders, community leaders, or just participants in life. What is the example we are setting by both rhetoric and actions? How do we treat others? How do we, publicly, handle stress? How do we handle not getting our way? How do we handle winning; is it a shared experience or is it about ME and ME alone? Thoughts to ponder.

We can all make this world a better place to live, if only by the example we set for others. People are watching us and learning from us.

Let's do our best to be an example worth of following.

Jim