Push Yourself, Not Others

"It is easier to lead than to push." - George Patton

In this context Patton's talking about the importance in war of the generals to go up to the front and hear the whistle of the bullets for clearer understanding. More generally, this also says that our actions are more effective instructions for others to follow than our words. I may say that being well-documented is important, but if I'm not well-documented myself, how would I expect others to be? If I want my team to be courteous, or positive, do I behave this way myself or just recite slogans that sound nice and could be devised by any 12-year-old? Our conduct will always outlive our words. Investing an hour with our hands is worth ten hours of speechwriting.