When someone mentions leadership, you might picture a CEO in a boardroom or a politician giving a speech. But leadership isn’t about titles or positions of authority. It’s about how we show up in our lives, how we influence others, and how we take ownership of the roles we play every day. Whether we’re guiding ourselves through challenges, parenting our kids, or supporting friends, we’re all leading in one way or another.
Leadership as Influence, Not Authority
Leadership doesn’t come from a job title or a position of power—it comes from the way you influence the people around you. Think about it: when you encourage a friend who’s feeling down, help your kids understand the value of kindness, or motivate your team to tackle a tough project, you’re being a leader. Influence is about creating a ripple effect of positive change, and it’s something every one of us can do.
Self-Leadership: The Foundation of All Leadership
Before we can lead others, we need to lead ourselves. Self-leadership is about taking responsibility for our choices and actions. It’s about setting goals, making intentional decisions, and staying true to what matters most to us. Whether it’s deciding to prioritise your health, sticking to a budget, or learning a new skill, self-leadership is how we take ownership of our lives and grow into the person we want to be.
Leadership in Everyday Moments
Leadership isn’t reserved for big, dramatic moments. It shows up in the little things we do every day. When you listen patiently to a family member, lend a hand to a colleague, or choose to stay calm during a stressful situation, you’re leading. These everyday acts might seem small, but they’re the building blocks of strong relationships and resilient communities.
Leadership Through Values
Leadership is grounded in the values that guide us. No matter where we are or what role we’re playing, there are certain values that form the foundation of good leadership:
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Integrity: Being honest and doing what’s right, even when it’s hard.
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Empathy: Understanding and caring about the needs and feelings of others.
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Respect: Treating others with kindness and fairness.
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Responsibility: Owning our actions and doing our part.
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Courage: Facing challenges and standing up for what we believe in. These values are transferable across all aspects of our lives—whether we’re leading ourselves, our families, or a team at work.
Leadership as a Shared Experience
Leadership isn’t about being in charge; it’s about working together. It’s the mum or dad who fosters teamwork among their kids. It’s the friend who helps a group plan a special event. It’s the manager who listens to their team and supports them to do their best work. When we see leadership as a shared experience, it becomes less about being the star and more about helping everyone shine.
Stepping Up in Tough Times
Leadership often shows itself when things get hard. It’s about staying calm under pressure, finding solutions, and supporting others when they need it most. Maybe it’s helping your family through a financial struggle, navigating a conflict at work, or being there for a friend in crisis. In these moments, leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about showing up and doing your best.
Leading with Vision and Action
Great leadership starts with a vision for a better future. It could be as simple as creating a happier home, building stronger relationships, or working towards a career goal. But vision alone isn’t enough. Leadership also means taking action—even small steps—to turn that vision into reality. Every step you take brings you closer to the change you want to see.
Leadership Belongs to All of Us
The idea of leadership without borders is powerful. It reminds us that leadership isn’t tied to a specific role, culture, or situation. It’s just as present in a teenager organising a school project as it is in a manager running a business meeting. Recognising this can inspire us to see ourselves as leaders in our own right.
Owning Your Leadership Role
Think about the ways you already lead in your life. Who do you influence, and how? What values guide your actions? How do you handle challenges? Leadership isn’t about being perfect or having all the answers—it’s about trying your best, being authentic, and making a difference. By owning your role as a leader, you can create a ripple effect that inspires others to do the same.
Leadership isn’t something reserved for a select few. It’s something we all practise, every day, in our own ways. By reframing leadership as a universal concept, we can take more ownership of our lives and more responsibility for the impact we have on others. When we lead with influence, grounded in shared values, we create a better world for ourselves and those around us. And that’s a role worth embracing.
The First Step to Transformative Leadership
At Leading From Within™, Optimising Your Leadership SOFTware, we believe leadership begins within. Our first pillar, “From Overwhelm to Clarity and Purposeful Self-Care,” equips leaders with tools to thrive in any situation.
Make this season your starting point for intentional leadership. Whether you’re on the clock or on holiday, leading yourself sets the foundation for a fulfilling year ahead.
Explore the LEADING FROM WITHIN™ Group Coaching Programme
Take Action Today
Are you ready to redefine your leadership in 2025? Enroll in the Leading From Within™ Coaching Programme by January 15, 2025, to enjoy a 15% early bird discount. Together, we’ll uncover your strengths and empower you to lead with clarity and resilience.
This holiday season, let clarity, self-care, and resilience guide your days. Start small, lead yourself first, and see how it transforms everything else.
Until next time,
The 'Leading Today' Newsletter team at Core Purpose.
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