A good example is far better than a good precept – Dwight L. Moody
The Power of Visuals
The picture-superiority effect refers to the phenomenon that people tend to remember pictures or visuals more effectively than words. This is why telling stories helps to cement a lesson or a communication. Visuals have a significant influence on how we understand, remember, and connect with information. Our brains process visuals more quickly and effectively than words, thereby enhancing memory retention and recall. Research shows we process visuals around 60,000 times faster than text. Three days after reading a text, we can remember approximately 10% of the information; however, when combined with an image, we are likely to remember around 65% of that information. Could this be why emojis are so popular? Ranging from facial expressions to food, there are over 3,790 emojis. I’ve used emojis many times in response to text messages as a substitute for words.
Show Don’t Tell
Being an example is more about showing than telling. If visuals are a powerful way of learning, then being an example by actions is the most powerful way to be a positive influence on others. In my first blog post of the month, I shared the story of Michael Abrashoff, who took command of the USS Benfold when it was underperforming and transformed it into one of the best ships in the US Navy. How did he do it? While many take the command-and-control approach, Abrashoff took the “show, don’t tell” approach. By exemplifying the culture he wanted on the ship through his actions, his example served as a lodestar. Being an example is a powerful and long-lasting approach to living a high-quality life. People tend to believe actions more than words because they are the most reliable indicator of authenticity. When your actions set a positive example, people view you as trustworthy and are more likely to follow your lead when it comes through action, as seen in Abrashoff.
Being an example is a powerful and long-lasting approach to living a high-quality life.
Actions Speak Louder
While our words have voice and tone attached to them, our actions still speak louder. When a person says one thing but does another, which one do you believe more? Most of us tend to lean towards action. The power of example does not lie in the words you speak but in the actions you show. Your actions reveal your character. If you say your goal is to be a better employee, then an action would be showing up to work on time, completing your tasks on time, or being a better team player by working well with others at work. Sometimes, a better attitude can go a long way in making you a good example. Your actions don’t have to be big to set an example. Abrashoff’s action that began the ship’s transformation was simply waiting in the back of the line to be served like the rest of the sailors instead of cutting the line because of his rank. This small but effective action is called a quarter-twist turn. One of the questions I ask myself is, “What do I want to see here and how can I exemplify it first? Remember, it starts with you.
Final Thought: You may not get immediate recognition and results when you perform an action. The goal is change, not recognition. Keep up the action long enough, and the recognition and results will come. You become a positive example through your actions, not your words. Be the example by going against the grain, doing what is hard, and showing, not telling. Your influence will catapult, and your impact will multiply.
Keep on keeping on
Notes
https://www.nngroup.com/articles/picture-superiority-effect/ – The Picture-Superiority Effect
https://medtechintelligence.com/column/the-power-of-visuals/ – The Power of Visuals
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