We lead because of a belief. A belief is either based on a vision, here is what I see the future can be, or an observation, there is an opportunity to serve. When two or three or four people believe the same thing and see the same future, we have a partnership in leading.
One of the confusions when trying to form a group is mistaking consensus as leading: not sure what the future looks like, let’s agree what it can be. Everyone gets to speak up, but no one leads.
If we want to make a change, we lead by taking the first step: here is what I believe a path forward looks like, do you see the same thing? For people who agree, we welcome them to join us. For people who disagree, we understand that this is not for them.
Leading doesn’t require consensus but belief that serves, and guts to speak up and face possible rejection.
It’s possible that leading is not for everyone, but everyone can lead if we choose to.