You don’t need permission to lead.
You need a purpose.
Don’t wait to be anointed or appointed. Lead from where you are.
If the purpose is important to you, if the timing and circumstances are right, you must rise.
Prepare, knowing you will never be fully prepared. You will be attacked by those who were too fearful to stand themselves. Expect it, even welcome it, for their challenges will strengthen your resolve and character. Seeing this, others will join you. Accept their help and support with grace and gratitude.
Step out from behind the curtain of doubt and take your place on the stage.
Speak up and be heard. Not for the applause, which can intoxicate you; for the cause, which will improve the status quo.
Do not lead for money or fame, grandeur or power.
Lead for those who need you in the darker hours.
Lead for those who’ve not found their voice, the multitudes who’ve lost their choice.
Lead in ways to grow and create, not restrict and deny.
Lead, to make things better in ways large and small.
Lead, to bring impossible dreams to within reach.
Lead, because you are compelled to lead and act on purpose.
These do not require permission. They only require you.
Also published on Medium.