What Leadership Means to Me
To most, leadership is considered being the loudest, or maybe the smartest. Most see it as someone special. They are someone to look up to, both in a group, and as an example for others. They go the extra mile; a sufficient job was done with 110% effort. They are someone who is always available to speak, no matter what; they will not be silenced.
When I think of a leader, I consider all of the aforementioned, but most of all, I see a leader as someone who knows their limits. A true leader sees adversity, assesses the situation, and takes a calculated stance, they do not simply rush in in the name of social justice. It takes a true leader to understand there is only so far any project can go. Battles must be picked with purpose, not rushed into with reckless abandon.
The public's opinion of a leader is not a particularly rare trait. There are "leaders" of the classroom, constantly raising their hand, or volunteering to pass back papers and read aloud. There are "leaders" of the community, who make appearances at public events. There are even national and international "leaders," on television every night, fighting for their beliefs and their voice to be heard.
These people are not leaders; they are extroverts. What differentiates an authentic leader from any extroverted "leader" is that the extroverts will fight over who is the leader of the leaders. In the class, they raise their hands highest, to be louder than the rest. Those in communities bring publicity to their small town, not a voice of reason or real passion. Those constantly under the public eye across the world compete for showtime, faking scandals, willing to risk their entire reputation for the most views. It takes a real leader to understand the right time to stop. They will speak with intent, and when appropriate. When other "leaders" are in the room. the leader among them will know to step back, allowing everyone time to voice their opinion. The leader will care about the wellbeing of everyone, even those on the opposing side, because the true leader knows there are no sides. We are all human.
Leadership is knowing that every person matters, and everyone deserves a voice, and that is the fight they are willing to fight, at whatever cost.