Are you a leader? Do you know it?

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”  ~ John Quincy Adams

Do you consider yourself a leader?

Leaders don’t necessarily have the fanciest titles or enormous job responsibilities. They don’t always get paid the most or have the most authority.

Sometimes, leaders don’t even have employees or others whom they officially lead.

Leaders are often the quiet, consistent people in the background. The workers. The ones who make things happen.

They demonstrate leadership qualities simply through word and deed.

They treat others kindly. They are trustworthy and honest.

They aren’t loud. They aren’t braggarts. They aren’t always trying to be better than others.

They simply do their best, quietly, consistently, and positively. And, others want to follow that example.

That makes them leaders.

Maybe you’re a leader and you don’t even know it. Perhaps you take the time to help others. Or, you keep plugging along, getting things done, in spite of setbacks, without complaining. People notice that, and they admire it. You’re a leader.

Maybe you lead by creating a positive environment on your Facebook Page, by using Twitter to tweet constructive and encouraging information to help or uplift others, rather than negative posts that create anger or tear others down.

You try to use your writing or other talents to enrich the world. You use your God-given gifts the way they were intended and you can inspire others to do the same.

You are a leader.

You lead by saying thank you. By opening doors for others. For being a supportive follower to other leaders.

You don’t have to scream out, “Hey, look at me. I’m a leader. I’ve made it.” Because by simply living your best life honestly and with passion, you are making your most powerful statement possible.

“Nothing so conclusively proves a man’s ability to lead others as what he does from day to day to lead himself.”  ~ Thomas J. Watson, Sr.