“I’ve come to realize that we have made leadership into something bigger than us; something beyond us. We’ve made it about changing the world. We’ve taken this title of “leader” and treat it as something that one day we’re going to deserve.” – Drew Dudley
This talk is my go-to absolute favorite TED Talk. Who doesn’t appreciate a story with humor and an unexpected romance? But most of all I love that it underlines that we may be fallible when it comes to leadership.
If we strive to be a (upper case) Leader, we may never hit this hyped up goal. Instead, let’s strive to be a (lower case) leader every day. That way we may look back and be reminded of leadership moments we didn’t even realize we had. It may be as simple as introducing someone to another person. A simple kindness. It could be remembering someone’s name. It may be letting someone know you appreciate them. Perhaps you help others find perspective in an otherwise bad situation. Or perhaps, it’s removing a barrier for someone.
The take way for me is that we don’t have a title. We don’t have to be in a position of authority to have influence. But sometimes, it takes someone to take the time to say thank you to let you know you’ve still been a leader in someone’s eyes.
What’s your take away from this TED Talk? What’s your favorite TED Talk?
