Does a Title Make You a Leader?
For several years now, I have worked under a phenomenal leader that I look up to as a mentor when it comes to personal development. This individual has poured so much into me developing my strengths and working on my weaknesses. He has challenged me to overcome my fears of the unknown and to take risks. Most of all, he has expressed confidence in me especially during the times when I didn't have any. This leader believes in me. He cares about me!
As of this past Wednesday, this phenomenal leader has transitioned out of my workplace to raise money for our capital campaign to build our new building. A new leader has been put in place. I must admit that I have had several different emotions during this leadership transition. I have been sad, depressed, anxious, excited, nervous, and scared to death.
You see, I personally do not see one as a leader just because of the title they have. I have sat under different types of leaders in the workplace and in the volunteer realm. Some were great while others were given their position just because of who they knew. Titles do not mean squat to me. Leadership comes with influence. The title of a leader must be earned. John Maxwell once said, "If you don't have influence, you will never be able to lead others."
How true is that!
So, I am now looking forward to sitting under this new leader ready to learn and ready to be stretched in different ways. I am ready to follow him. I am ready to be invested in. I am ready to give this new leader a chance to take our lead team to a higher level to impact lives in our city.
"One measure of leadership is the caliber of people who choose to follow you." Dennis A Peer
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