Yes, You!
John Maxwell says: “Leadership is influence - nothing more, nothing less.” This influence can be positive or negative. By default or with intention. The details don’t matter, where there is influence, there is leadership.
You are influential in many areas of life (I’m sure of it) but the MOST IMPORTANT is how you influence yourself. When I embarked on learning to be a better leader at work I discovered that it ALL began with how I lead myself.
I couldn’t show up to work as an effective and magnetic leader while running my own life into the ground. It doesn’t work that way.
This was great news because within ourselves is where we have the most power, control, and influence. But it was also bad news because my ego REALLLLLY wanted to blame all of my problems on other people!
It is possible that you don’t want to see yourself as a leader because then you will have to do something about it… I said what I said!
Here are examples of where you are a leader:
Yes, at work. Even if you don’t have the title, you are influencing the people around you.
In a friend group when you help to find resolution, stir the pot, talk behind someone’s back, help to spearhead fun plans. All leadership.
When you have a tough conversation with your partner. You are an integral part of influencing how that conversation goes.
Convincing your little one to go to bed, eat dinner, understand a consequence, learn a lesson.
When you volunteer for something that you care about.
When you suggest a fun conversation topic at a dinner party.
When you help someone who needs it.
And MOST importantly, you are constantly, in every moment, influencing yourself. The question is, are you doing it by default or with intention? And are you a positive or negative influence on yourself?
So yes, you are a leader. And if you are actively choosing to not lead yourself or others, that, in itself, is influential…. so you are STILL a leader :) Aren’t I annoying!
This is probably the one thing that I want to scream from the rooftop. Many people will see the word leadership and think “no, not me!” but I’m here to say…. “Yes, You!”
By accepting this, your life changes. THIS is where you begin to take accountability for your own patterns, behaviors and thoughts. You can forgive yourself for where you didn’t know any better and learn new ways.
When you get out of autopilot and intentionally step into the leader role, you will see what you need to see in order to make changes.
What blocks come up for you when you read this post? Share them below and also pay attention to them yourself… there is valuable information where you are fighting this.
With Love,
Jena
