Leadership comes in a number of different forms. Being different, setting yourself apart isn't always the easiest of tasks. Too often we think of ourselves as just role players, that person who is just suppose to do what they are told. We think of reasons to not step out and lead. Today think about how you can be a leader in your current role, how can you go above and beyond your call, or job description?
Working with students and athletes on leadership, my goal is to get each person to think about how they can be a leader in their role. If you are the guy at the end of the bench, that doesn't often get in the game, how do you lead? What can you do to help your team win?
Last season, watching a high school basketball playoff game I saw great leadership. The team's leader, the heart of the team, the guy that brought the energy and intensity, fouled out at the end of one of the most exciting games I have ever seen. His team had just fought their way back from being down by 19 points. And now he was out, heading to the bench in overtime. At the next team timeout he was the player grabbing the water and the towels for his teammates. At that moment he understood his role and he understood how to lead in that role. He didn't need to be on the court to continue leading and making a difference (his team would end up winning).
Where ever you are today, think about the ways that you can lead from that position. Leaders won't wait until they are in positions of leadership to lead; they are building a base of leadership skills and qualities throughout their lives. Remember there is a Narrow Gate, and only a few will find it. The rest of the world will take the easy way out, they will sit and sulk because they fouled out or because they can't get in the game. Stop walking down the road with everyone else and make your own path, and carve it out with greatness.
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