For a long time, I thought leadership had a certain look and sound. I believed it came with authority, volume, and control. What I’ve learned over time is that real leadership begins much more quietly, rooted in responsibility, authenticity, and service.
Many people believe leadership is something you’re given or something only those in high-level or highly specialized positions can achieve. But leadership isn’t a title. It’s a mindset and a choice.
Being a leader means doing what’s best for others and for the group as a whole. It’s about helping everyone move closer to the ultimate goal, even when you may not receive the credit or recognition. As the quote often attributed to U.S. President Harry S. Truman reminds us, “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.” True leadership is measured not by status, but by impact.
It’s important to be mindful of what you think leadership is supposed to look like. Authentic leadership requires staying grounded in who you are and being true to yourself.
When I first became a head baseball coach, I thought I needed to be loud and constantly in charge. I wasn’t yelling too much, but I wasn’t being myself either. I was trying to fit an image of what I believed a coach should be. That was how I thought leadership was supposed to be perceived.
Over time, I realized the most effective way for me to lead was simply to be myself. I connect best with players by talking with them, listening, and building relationships. I never responded well to being yelled at, so why would I make that my leadership style? Authentic leadership isn’t about volume. It’s about connection.
Leadership also isn’t limited to job titles or positions. You don’t have to be a high-level businessperson or a head coach to lead. Lead your family. Lead your church. Heck, lead your dog. But do it with pride and in a way that’s true to who you are.
Don’t follow others just because it’s easy. Do your own research, gain your own knowledge, and make decisions you believe are right. When you lead with authenticity and purpose, others will naturally look to you and want to follow.
With leadership comes responsibility, and things won’t always go right. In fact, many times they won’t. How you respond in those moments matters, and it can either strengthen or weaken your leadership. When things aren’t going your way, stay calm and in control. Put together a plan, commit to it, and lead with confidence. The people you’re leading will look to you for direction, and it’s important they see that you believe in the path forward, even in difficult situations.
Even as leaders, it’s important to recognize that we are always learning. Having people to look up to and learn from is essential. The world and the people in it are constantly changing, and leadership must evolve with it. I feel fortunate to have grown up surrounded by strong leaders, from my dad to coaches to bosses I respect deeply. I take what I’ve learned from each of them, absorb their knowledge, and create my own approach that fits who I am, so I can lead in the most genuine way possible.
Be positive and recognize that you become a leader the moment you take responsibility. Don’t look to anyone else for excuses. Take control of your life and lead it in a direction that’s best for you, your family, your organization, or your team. Attack challenges with the goal of making things better, because in that process, you’ll make yourself better too.
“And whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” ~ Mark 10:44–45
