We believe that leading by example is the single most important way that adults can influence teens.
It’s been said that juvenile delinquency would disappear if kids followed their parents’ advice instead of their example. Unfortunately, example is the more powerful motivator. Some claim a good example has twice the value of good advice. Albert Schweitzer believed it counted for even more: “Example is not the main thing in influencing others, it is the only thing,” he said. Edmund Burke put it this way: “Example is the school of mankind, and they will learn at no other.”
When you work with troubled teens, leading by example is a big part of the job. Every staff member here is directly involved with students during part of the work week. That means every staff member exemplifies, to some extent, the qualities of honesty, charity, responsibility, respect, productivity, unselfishness and more to the teens they interact with. Staff in recovery are scrutinized even more seriously. They are considered living examples of what happens when you make the 12 Steps a way of life.
Any adult who lives or works with teens, especially troubled teens, has an obligation to recognize that whatever advice they might offer, their actions will always speak louder. “Preach the Gospel at all times,” said St. Francis, “and when necessary use words.”
