When I was in first grade, my teacher fell ill one day. The headteacher couldn’t find a substitute quickly, so I was asked to watch the time and let the class out for recess and back on time. I felt I could do more, so I went ahead and taught all the lessons scheduled for that day: writing, reading, and math. I vividly remember showing the class how to write a capital letter ‘O’ on the board and having them do it in their workbooks. The class didn’t mind it at all, and some enjoyed the improvised classes. What I also remember is a great feeling of accomplishment on that day. Back then, I didn’t know it was called leadership.

Leadership takes many forms. We meet leaders throughout our life, from our parents to some of our teachers and classmates, to work colleagues, to high profile political figures. Some of them become our role models, consciously or subconsciously. We instinctively compare ourselves to them. In some cases, we might not see the same qualities in ourselves as we see in our role models. While we might feel discouraged, it doesn’t mean we’re not leaders.

There is no one certain type or a skillset or a character type for a leader. Each leader is authentic in the way they make positive impact on the world. Extensive research was done on different leadership styles. Daniel Goleman, an American phycologist, classified leadership styles based on Emotional Intelligence into 6 styles:

• Coercive: telling people what and when to do
• Authoritative: focusing on motivating people pursue a long-term vision
• Affiliative: focusing on people well being and harmony in the team
• Democratic: working together and seeking consensus
• Pacesetting: focusing on performance and results, acting as a role model
• Coaching: coaching team to do the work and develop themselves as professionals

Successful leaders usually adapt different styles to different circumstances, so called situational leadership.

Am I a leader? How do I know if I am a leader?

I believe leadership is about action. A person who makes decisions, takes action, and assumes responsibility embodies the essence of leadership. Leadership isn’t about holding a title; it’s about taking initiative, guiding others, and being accountable for the outcomes. By making decisions, such a person demonstrates confidence and the ability to weigh options. By taking action, they show a commitment to achieving goals. By assuming responsibility, they illustrate integrity and reliability. These qualities inspire trust and respect from others, which are fundamental aspects of a true leader.

Mother Teresa demonstrated a consistent act of a selfless non-judgmental service. She founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950 that provided care for the sick, poor and dying in Kolkata, India. Her dedicated care and compassion earned her an international acclaim and she is considered one of the greatest leaders in history.

Martin Luther King Jr. acted consistently as a nonviolent campaigner for racial justice during the civil rights movement. He led the march on Washington in 1963, where he delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech which was instrumental in advancing the civil rights movement leading to the U.S. government to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Another common characteristic that sets great leaders apart is related to their mindset: they embrace personal growth and continuous improvement. Indeed, a consensus says that leaders are made and not born

Do you feel the energy to make a positive change, willing to take a consistent action and take responsibility for the outcome, go for it! You’ll develop and hone your unique leadership skills through your experiences, successes and failures, mentors, and books.