“The task of the leader is to get people from where they are to where they have not been”

-Henry Kissinger

In the contemporary world, the term leadership has become a very prominent topic of interest. A thirst has developed among the communities to find an ideal leader to solve their problems. Leadership, from what I believe, is something that a person can gain overtime. With every challenge, every experience and with every fall, a leader is molded to a fulfilling human. 

At its core, leadership is about inspiring and empowering others to achieve their full potential. It involves fostering a shared sense of purpose and direction, motivating individuals to collaborate towards common objectives. Contrary to popular belief, leadership is not solely determined by one’s title or position within an organization. Rather, it is a dynamic process that can emerge from any individual who possesses the necessary qualities and capabilities.

As mentioned in the very beginning, the people want leaders to solve their problems. But the question that comes with this is whether the leaders we have at the moment are actually capable of such miracles. Currently, leadership is coupled to a particular position in an organizational setting. The organizations expect their leader to be vigilant, dynamic and capable of solving any problems actively. Although the expectations are set to sky high, in reality the essence of true leadership cannot be seen in everyone who takes up these positions.

While titles and formal positions of authority can provide a platform for leadership, they are by no means prerequisites. True leadership can emerge from any individual, regardless of their rank or status within an organization. In fact, some of the most impactful leaders throughout history have been ordinary people who demonstrated extraordinary courage, vision, and resilience. From civil rights activists to community organizers, these individuals have inspired and mobilized others to enact positive change, leaving a lasting legacy far beyond their official titles.

Everyone of you readers must have definitely heard an overused phrase of “Be a leader and not a boss”. There are enough and more individuals who take up leadership positions and implement a dictatorial environment where no one is truly appreciated for their work. Their attitudes and values resemble a person who does not know how to work with a team, compromise and collaborate with each other’s ideas. The so-called “Boss” seemingly values himself the most and prides himself to be the best person yet they know so little about what they do wrong until after the organization has taken a fall and the team is long gone.

According to my beliefs and thoughts, leaders should always be value driven, go beyond limits and be able to inspire others while inspiring themselves to drive forward in achieving their potential. That’s where effective leadership lies, something which is very difficult to be seen in people nowadays but once that person is found, the impact they create and the value they generate speaks volumes. 

While some individuals may possess natural leadership abilities, leadership is also a skill that can be developed and cultivated over time. Through self-awareness, reflection, and continuous learning, aspiring leaders can hone their abilities and expand their impact. Leadership development programs, mentorship opportunities, and experiential learning can provide valuable resources and support for emerging leaders to grow and thrive. By investing in the next generation of leaders, organizations and societies can ensure a steady supply of capable, ethical, and visionary individuals to tackle the complex challenges of the future.

All in all, finding a true leader may seem hard, but who knows, you might be that leader we all are looking for. Maybe it’s just one step you need to take forward to show everyone what kind of a true leader you are or maybe it might take more than that, but how else to find out without starting now itself. Change is what people want but at the same time, change is what people fear. Change is hard but it always works towards the betterment of you. Step out, speak out, be true to yourself and always try to be an inspiration to others, As you are another leader the world is yet to find.

Written by: Rtr. Supun Rasanjana

Graphic design by: Rtr. Sathmi Dinanja