A good leader is not necessarily the institutional leader who is situated in a hierarchy assigned to make life-influencing decisions for others, although they might be.  I am talking about people who have inspired us to be the best people we can be.  What I am saying is, good leadership comes from everyone.  On the Pulling Together Journey 2010, that I was honored to be a part of, one of the youths said something profound.  He said, “To be a good leader is to be a good follower and let others take the lead.”  A powerful statement from a 17-year old boy from Prince George, and it has stuck with me.

Good leadership means being able to recognize people’s gifts, allowing them to thrive, and then follow.  In essence, good leadership breeds good leadership.  Similarly, fear also breeds fear.  There are two ways to view leadership.  It can be something we share with others to prosper or something that we keep from others to subordinate.  Self-doubt and lack of trust make it difficult to see another person’s leadership potential.

So, be thankful to your mom, dad, teacher, coach, tutor, friend, relative, student, employee, sibling, colleague, or whomever in your life who offered you good leadership.  How do you know?  They empowered you to be a good leader too.