What Does It Mean To #bealeader
A few years ago, I came to the decision that I would take the high road and carry forward on my purpose that was to serve others to find their leader within. My passion is to ensure that everyone knows that they are leader in life. It is not a title that is bestowed to you or crown that you are given by another. You are leader within when you realize that you lead yourself in your life. To #bealeader means to lead your life on purpose, on faith and with passion that serves yourself and others.
I have so many who come to me and voice their fear to heed the calling of their own inner leader. They have been conditioned by family, society, friends that leaders have titles, they go to the front of line and lead the march. Some have a perception that leaders are born; leaders are “other” people not themselves. They do not want to see their own ability to lead from within. Each of us possesses the choice to lead ourselves. We each have foundation of ethics, values and pillars of characters. Many just need to know that there is a light within that they can access; to #bealeader isn’t just your station in life, but life itself. We lead in our actions, words and deeds on a daily basis whether we are conscious of the ability or not. We all look at others and see their actions; they lead us to see their own inner leader. If one is not following the rules or one is not of character, they are leading us to believe they are not of true self.
To #bealeader is not a slogan. It is not a hashtag. To #bealeader is the ability to dig deep and find that we follow ourselves, we all have the gift of leadership within – in our own ways. You do not have to be THE leader to be A leader. We just have to unearth these gifts within and cultivate our habits that give us the ability to lead ourselves and influence those on our path.
Jen, I knew there was a reason that your message resonated with me. We share a very similar passion. I too believe that everyone is a leader and that we can all become better leaders. That’s my mission with LeadWithGiants.com and #LeadWithGiants.
Thanks for YOUR leadership!
Thanks, Dan. Two of a kind! We do share a passion for people as well as for finding their purpose within – to lead from within to be a leader. Your work with LeadWithGiants gives a great platform. I’m honored to have you in the #bealeader community as well, Dan. Your bring such wisdom and great leadership to the community. Thank you
Beautiful article, Jen,
I agree, I am sure everyone has that leadership ability deep down within their being. The “light” you write about, Jen, I see as a “pilot light” in a boiler. That tiny, perpetual flame awaits fuel in order to blaze, to ardour; the fuel that we all need is Courage. Unfortunately, our fears outweigh the courage we need to overcome them.
I have a very bad habit; I can’t help but observe people when I’m out and about. What makes me most curious is witnessing the “pilot light” suddenly being fuelled in ordinary people. Even a simple act like giving up your seat on the bus is not something that everyone does “easily”; I figure it takes courage to do so. The difficulties are multiple, acknowledging someone in need, engaging with that person, inviting that person to your seat and maybe even giving assistance…all in the presence of a small audience. Sometimes, even such a simple act becomes so theatrical. Yep, it takes courage to do even a simple act of grace which is also a perfect sign of leadership. A leader is that person that empathizes with others and finds the courage to stand up, when no one else will, and give up what they for a fellow being…all the while, leading and teaching by example.
Thanks again, Jen, for your inspiring article.
Hope you have a Safe and Peaceful Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.
Enzo
Thanks, Enzo. I like how you observe others – the pilot light is a great analogy. It takes courage to be a leader. To be a leader is to stand strong on your values – and not give in to popular opinions either. You have to be able to walk your own path with consistency as well. Too many I see talk a great game but do not have the leader within.
Yes Jen, it takes courage and faith (in yourself) to walk off the beaten track. Although, if you do it once then it is very gratifying and each successive attempt is always that little bit easier. An image just popped into mind mind; don’t know if you’ve seen WALL-E…if you have, remember the Cleaner Robot?
I agree with you…I’ve see a lot of great talkers but I’m still waiting to see them win any games.
Thanks for taking time to reply. Take care
Enzo
Great point, Enzo. Thank you so much!