What a True Leader Really Is

Many people are intimidated by the term Leadership. To some, it may represent someone in a lofty position, a position that most will never attain. If not based on a rung on the corporate ladder, it can likewise represent an image, a look, or a personality profile that very few would ever display.

We often consider the leaders to be in the exclusive category of “They”. “They” have the title, the prestige, or the look, and “They” have the responsibility. “They” have the power, as well as the perks.

In reality, leadership is open to more than just those with a title or an image. A leader is anyone who influences others in a positive direction. A leader is someone who has a picture of what can be, and really what should be, and they cannot get rid of that thought… and that thought causes them to move in that direction.

Everyone is called upon to be a leader at some point, and often many points, in the course of their life.

In the video below, Chris Brady provides an insightful introduction to leadership. If you are going to be called upon to be a leader, wouldn’t it make sense to learn more about it?

The Title of 'Leader'

When an individual is in a position of power, it is traditional to call them a leader. But does a title necessarily make someone a leader?

The label of leader, when applied to an individual in authority, doesn’t always mean they have great leadership abilities. In business, one’s ascension to a position above their capabilities has become so commonplace that it is almost a proverb.

Perhaps it is not a proverb, but there is a term for it. According to the “Peter Principle,” an organization's members will eventually be promoted beyond their level of ability. More commonly phrased, "employees tend to rise to their own level of incompetence."

A title is irrelevant. Leadership qualities do not instantly transfer to the man or woman who ascends to the new role.

The fact is, though, everyone will be called upon to be a leader at some point in their life – and that includes you! In the course of business, in the community, in your home or within your associations, there will come a time when a leader will be needed. What happens when all the eyes turn to you? Will you be ready?

You may be called upon to be the leader in your family when there’s been a crisis, an illness, or maybe just a big decision that affects the whole family. A financial crisis can happen at any time, such as the loss of a job, the loss of major accounts in your business or maybe just a physical accident that causes financial hardship. You may need to be the one to step up as a leader to address the changing situation.

Sometimes being a leader in your community can be a lone voice standing up for what’s right, when the masses want to go the other direction. Everyone has a “community”, and either you’re leading in that community or it’s being led by others. It’s important to know the true qualities of a leader, so you can help determine if you’re leading – or being led – correctly.

What happens when others look to you for the answers, for insights on the next steps to take? What if your family, your company or your community simply needs one person with a good attitude when everyone else around is losing their head? It’s not a title or a position. It is simply the influence of others. And odds are there will be countless times when you are called upon to lead.

The only question is, when YOU are called upon to lead, will you be ready?

My recommendation for further reading on this topic is Mark Sanborn, “You Don’t Need a Title to be a Leader.”