Unleash your inner leader

“If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way”~Martin Luther King Jr.

Throughout my life, I was taught to look upon leadership as a status to be obtained. It was a mark in one’s career that let the world know you ‘made it’ and are ‘making a difference’. I look back at that belief as I would a young, sweet, and naive child. There are some amazing leaders that have inspired me along the way. Amazing inspirational leaders that encourage and encompass kindness and compassion to all. Visionary leaders who take action to create the world they know is obtainable-one of connection, compassion, and collaboration. I still look upon some of the great leaders for inspiration. I continue to saturate my brain with their knowledge, and learn from their teachings and beliefs. I have also been blessed enough to have amazing leaders throughout my personal life. Amongst them include family, my husband, children, friends, teachers, bosses, spiritual mentors, coaches, and therapists. I offer daily gratitude to all of them.

Throughout my leadership journey, I have come to have a larger understanding of the concept of leadership. Leadership is not about power, control or ego. As John Maxwell so perfectly states “Leadership is influence”. Influence is the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself (Oxford dictionary). When we look at leadership in this light, I would dare to say that we are all leaders in one way or another. We are individuals who were placed on this Earth to carry out a specific mission. We are parents, we are artists, we are teachers, we are nurses, we are doctors, we are missionaries, we are friends, we are coworkers, we are lovers, we are daughters, we are siblings, we are bosses, we are healthcare workers, we are therapists…we are leaders. Think of every single relationship connection and vocation possible. We all influence someone in some capacity. We may not even be aware of our influence. If this is the case for you, I would encourage you to increase your awareness so you can increase your intention.

For some reading this, you may be thinking “I don’t want that type of responsibility”. If you are thinking this, I get it! It can be scary at first. To come to the realization that you are responsible to move into action as a leader. It may be ‘easier’ for you to continue to believe that leadership is ‘someone else’s job’. Coming to the realization that you are influential can be a bit overwhelming. I know it was for me. After you overcome the initial shock of your personal power, I invite you to step into your leadership role. Although it can be scary at times, it is also very exciting and liberating. Once you embrace this concept and belief, you realize that the world can change for the better…one person and one step at a time, beginning with you.

Along my journey, I have also embraced the belief of servant leadership, which means exactly what it states: Servant leadership is a leadership philosophy in which the main goal of the leader is to serve. This is different from traditional leadership where the leader’s main focus is the thriving of their company or organizations (Wikipedia). If you want to know more about this type of leadership, I highly recommend the book “Leaders Eat Last” by Simon Sinek. This book (and clip below) is more about working within a company. I think the message is powerful for all to hear, as we are all leaders, so hopefully you can put it in the context that applies to you.

So, in short, I am encouraging and challenging each one of you. Step out. Step into your leadership role. Show up. Become visible. The world needs you.

Much love, LJ

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