Since drop-off at Lia’s school is different because of COVID, her and I have been reading a book together while sitting in the drop-off line. We recently started the book called Wolfpack. We are reading the version written for young readers. Today the chapter was about leadership. The author starts out the chapter asking the readers, when they think of a leader who do they think of. Lia said, “a teacher and a coach”. The next question the author asks, “why don’t you think of yourself?”
I agree with the author that kids believe that they need to grow up before they can lead. Although, we should all believe that no matter our age, race, gender, or where we live we can lead. We can lead wherever we are. Whether we landed our dream job, whether we live in our dream house, whether we drive our dream car we can lead. Kids, whether you made the team that you tried out for, whether the cutest boy is going to the dance with you, whether you are considered a popular kid, or whether you earned first chair in band please don’t miss your calling to lead from wherever you are at. Don’t miss your calling to lead from the bench.
Maybe the bench is actually the bench in a sport or maybe the bench is an administrative assistant position while you wait for upper management to retire. As the author states, “If you’re not a leader on the bench, don’t call yourself a leader on the court. You’re either a leader everywhere or nowhere.” We all should embrace leadership, but know that leadership will look differently for each person. Maybe you will volunteer at a local charity or food pantry. Maybe you will speak and/or send encouraging words to friends and those around you. Maybe you will empower others to overcome a fear or obstacle.
I love the words written on the last page of the chapter. Friends, I feel these words are for you, and for those of you who have children please read these words to them as well.
“Leadership is not a position to earn; it’s every single person’s right to claim. Every person is the leader of their own life, at any age. Do not give up that power. Claim it. Value it. Use it. Leadership is not just the adult at the head of the table. It’s every kid speaking up and showing up to build a better world. Leadership is the blood that runs through your veins-it’s born in you. It’s not the privilege of a few; it is the right and responsibility of all. Leader is not a title that the world gives to you-it’s an offering you give to the world.”
The last sentence is where it’s at. It is not a title but the offering you give to the world. Imagine if we were all to start viewing leadership as our offering to the world instead of what can the world give me because I have the title of leader.