Who is a Leader? You Are!

I used to think a leader was the “big cheese” in the corner office, a Boy Scout Troop Leader or the person down the street who owned a business. Early in my career, I had several supervisors who were “leaders” by their position; however, they certainly didn’t lead “me” in a way that promoted my growth and success! 


Did I ever see myself as a leader? No!

Why? It was me who labeled myself as a “follower." The generic job titles that I was placed in, regardless of the experience and skill set I had to offer, didn’t help my thought process either.

It wasn’t until many years later when I worked with a supervisor who truly changed my mindset to believe that I was a leader and gave me courage to change the course of my career path! When I joined Toastmasters, I jumped right in to serve in leadership roles which gave me even more experience and knowledge to pursue exciting challenges in Toastmasters and my community.

Do people ask your opinions about certain topics? Do you step out and volunteer to handle volunteer work or tackle a project that needs to be done? Do you visualize what can be done and ideas on how to accomplish a task or project? Do you communicate with others in a way that they want to work with you on an event or project? Do you raise your hand when an opportunity knocks?

Leadership is not just about your title; it’s about your attitude, how you conduct yourself and how you help others to succeed. It also takes good communication and listening skills and some courage to step out and lead! It is so important for everyone (young and old) to search for way to get involved and lead an effort – it is so rewarding!

The next time you think, “I could never lead a project or a team!” Think again! I bet you could list several ways you lead from raising funds for a cause, organizing a bake sale, coordinating an event, helping with senior citizen activities to mentoring a youth group or helping with a community effort – the list is endless! Take credit and pat yourself on the back for your hard work because it counts toward your success!  

“A great leader's courage to fulfill his vision comes from passion, not position.”
John Maxwell

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