Willing to lead

 

As election week draws near, I find myself considering the true meaning of leadership. Many of us are taught to equate leadership with authority, power, and the ability to make important decisions. While these qualities are part of what people see, the real foundation of leadership is far more personal and subtle.

At its heart, leadership isn’t about being at the top or having influence over others it’s about service. The best leaders are those motivated by a genuine desire to make things better for others, for organizations, and for the community. Rarely does anyone become a leader fully prepared; more often, leadership is born in quiet moments when we least expect it and before we feel ready.

Think about your own experiences. Maybe your first leadership role came as a parent, or when you were asked to manage a group, elected as a prefect, or found yourself guiding others through a crisis at work. In these moments, you might not have seen yourself as a leader, but others did they watched, learned, and depended on you, sometimes without your awareness.

Over time, I’ve realized that leadership is a mix of intention and perseverance. It’s about aiming to do good, holding true to your values, and showing up even when you feel unsure or exhausted. There will be setbacks decisions that don’t go as planned, days when things go wrong. Yet, real leadership is found in the quiet resolve to keep trying:" Today dint go as planned, but i will try again tomorrow." 

What sets effective leaders apart is not perfection, but consistency. True leaders align their actions with their words and build trust by being reliable and authentic. People are inspired by leaders who “walk the talk” and are more likely to follow their example and step into their own leadership roles.

This consistency is especially important in a world where many want to be served, but few choose to serve. The shortage of those willing to lead during difficult times is a clear reminder that leadership is needed now more than ever.

The empowering truth is that all of us can lead in our own ways. Leadership isn’t just for those elected or appointed; it’s about choosing to step forward, care, grow, and keep learning, no matter the circumstance. Even small actions helping a colleague, supporting a friend, volunteering can have meaningful effects.

As we vote and reflect on the leaders around us, the real question isn’t just who will win. Instead, ask yourself: How an i leading right where i am, and who am i encouraging to rise alongside me?