Becoming a Leader

Becoming a leader isn’t easy. But learning to lead is a lot easier than you might think, because each of us possesses an inventory of raw materials to use to become a real leader. These materials consist of experiences, observations, vision, and character. Leadership is a skill that can be mastered and refined by those that dedicate their life to the craft.

Although everyone can become a leader, not everyone will. Why? Because too many people are prisoners of their own inertia. They lack the will to change and to develop their potential. People who are willing to overcome this inertia can transform themselves if they want to do it badly enough. Becoming a true leader is the ultimate act of free will, and if you have that will, you will find your way.

Leadership comes by evolution rather than a series of individual lessons. The process has no beginning, middle, or end, but it has several recurring and overlapping themes — the need for education, to unlearn erroneous lessons, to reflect, to take risks and make mistakes, and communicate effectively.

Leadership is its own reward. Leaders are people of consequence in their communities. They matter.