The Uncommon Leader – Part 3
Leadership is Uncommon
What makes one person a leader differs significantly from what makes another a leader; leadership goes beyond the ordinary.
The least common denominator for leaders is their uncommon characteristics. In other words, every leader is unique. Every leader is different. There are no two leaders who are alike. Leadership is not a common occurrence. This doesn’t mean leaders can be few and far between. It means that what you possess is not what someone else possesses. Every leader has their own set of characteristics and “leadership DNA.” Therefore, leadership is not a one-size-fits-all concept. What makes you a leader may not be the same as what makes the person next to you a leader.
Anyone who doesn’t think of themselves as a leader is not a leader.
It’s important to be mindful that many leaders may not openly acknowledge their leadership despite secretly considering themselves as such. This is what’s called “humility.” Humility can often be misplaced, so let me clear something up right now. Being humble isn’t that you don’t know you’re a leader. Being humble is knowing that you are and that serving those around you is more important than having the title of “leader.”
However, a person who doesn’t think of themselves as a leader (not the misplaced humility) is a leader. In other words, if you think you’re not, you are not. If you believe you’re not, you’re right. As a person thinks, that is what they are. [1] There’s no denying it. If you don’t think you’re any good, you’re no good. No matter how many people believe you are good or what the evidence or facts say, if you don’t think you’re good, you’re no good.
Ask yourself this question: Am I a leader? If you were to poll a crowd on how many leaders are present, few people would likely raise their hands. Interestingly, this reluctance is a hallmark of true leadership. A leader is someone who is constantly striving for improvement, always seeking to reach the next level. Because of this ongoing journey, they often don’t openly acknowledge themselves as leaders; instead, they focus on their personal growth and journey toward greatness.
Their end defines the makings of a leader. Conversely, anyone who doesn’t see themselves as a leader isn’t truly one. In essence, if a person believes they possess all the qualities of a leader but inwardly dismisses themselves as such, they are correct in thinking they are not a leader. This mindset can lead to ineffectiveness in leading others toward the brand, the gifts, and the value they have to offer.
Leadership is, above all, a mindset. My goal is to help you unlock the leader within you. I would title this “Release the Leader in You.” First, you must declare yourself a leader, which is the first step to becoming a great leader. Let’s start by affirming this together (I dare you to say this aloud.):
– I am a leader.
– I have something valuable to offer.
– People who appreciate my brand,
– and I am committed to serving those who like my brand.
For as a person thinks within himself, that is what he is. [1]
How you think is the only thing standing in our way of being a leader. Don’t allow your thinking (which you can change) to stand in your way of being a leader that you not only deserve to be but that you’ve been gifted to be.
[1] Proverbs 23:7 NKJV, Bible.com, accessed March 31, 2025, https://www.bible.com/bible/114/PRO.23.7.NKJV
All Scripture references used by permission, see our Scripture copyrights.
