wikimedia-l, On arrival I was asked to describe a few leadership principles and practices I live out. In my response I included a statement about courage, honesty, and integrity [1]. These principles are not effective without applying them. To succeed, one must transfer these leadership principles, to a vast number of people, enabling them to be more successful. I’ve found the best method to teach others is to demonstrate [3]. Effective leaders demonstrate correct behavior and they demonstrate leadership by acting with courage, honesty, and integrity. This is what I expect from myself and from those around me who share our mission. Here’s a quote from Ernesto 'Che’ Guevara, a person who's ability to lead is unquestionable: 'One of the great educational techniques is example. Therefore, the chiefs must constantly offer the example of a pure and devoted life. Promotion of the soldier should be based on valor, capacity, and a spirit of sacrifice; whoever does not have these qualities in high degree ought not to have responsible assignments, since he will cause unfortunate accidents at any moment.' —Che Guevara, Guerrilla Warfare (1960) p. 90 [4]. We are not soldiers, but we are revolutionaries. And as revolutionaries supporting the Wikimedia mission we must consistently demonstrate the behaviors that maximize our ability to build the software required to fulfill our mission. This is important because our users and contributors are watching us as leaders. They are watching our demonstration. And if we are to support them we must treat them with respect. If we don't, they will leave. Che's policy when asking for help from their community was to always be courteous, considerate, and just. He emphasized that food, supplies, and help from the community should be exchanged for fair compensation. Always. He continues: 'The conduct of the guerrilla fighter will be subject to judgment whenever he approaches a house to ask for something. The inhabitants will draw favorable or unfavorable conclusions about the guerrilla band according to the manner in which any service or food or other necessity is solicited and the methods used to get what is wanted. The explanation by the chief should be detailed about these problems, emphasizing their importance; he should also teach by example.' Call to action: Let's renew our commitment to treat everyone with respect and dignity. Let's lead by example by choosing our words carefully with only positive intentions. Open source requires a healthy community, and respectful interactions are a sign of a healthy community. I pledge to treat everyone with respect and use respectful and inclusive language. Please join me. While I'm normally on IRC all the time, this last week has been special as I'm migrating machines and devices. Beginning this week I will have a client on 24-7; however, I will be online for a dedicated IRC Office Hour on Oct 9, 1-2pm PDT. I would love to hear your thoughts here or in IRC. All my best, Damon VPE, Wikimedia Foundation [1] http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/WMF_Metrics_and_activities_meetings/2014-10 [2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tactic_%28method%29 [3] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demonstration_%28teaching%29 [4] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guerrilla_Warfare_%28book%29