Redefining Leadership
Have you ever thought to yourself, “I’m just an ordinary person. A leader? That’s not me.”
Well, I used to think that way . In fact, when my mentor once asked me, “Are you a leader?” I hesitated. My gut whispered, “Yes,” but my self-doubt shouted louder. I told him, “I haven’t done anything big enough to call myself a leader. Leaders manage teams or achieve something remarkable in their careers.” He responded with a simple yet powerful question: “Do you think leaders only exist in corporate offices?” On thinking deeply, that question completely shifted my perspective on what it means to be a leader.
I realized leadership is all around us. It’s not confined to corporate houses or fancy titles. It’s found in every walk of life.
– A parent juggling household duty is a leader.
– A teacher shaping young minds is a leader.
– A coach motivating their team is a leader.
– A worker bringing home sustenance for their family is a leader.
And yes, I was a leader too. I led when I left everything behind to start anew in the Netherlands, taking on different roles and ventures until I found my calling. I led myself through the uncertainty and self-doubt. At the time, my younger self didn’t even realize it—I was learning to be a leader, figuring out how to navigate challenges and build resilience.
Fast forward to today, I see how those experiences shaped me. My journey has toughened me and matured my perspective. I now understand that leadership isn’t just about navigating your path but helping others shine and achieve results. It’s about striking the right chord—balancing vision, empathy, and execution.
So, what actually makes a leader?
Leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about qualities. Over time, I’ve learned to spot what truly sets leaders apart:
- Confidence: To take charge of your path.
- Courage: To act despite fears.
- Creativity: To think beyond the obvious.
- Competence: To back ideas with action.
- Consistency: To keep showing up.
- Connections: To build meaningful relationships.
- Candor: To be honest with yourself and others.
- Challenge-Seeker: To embrace growth.
These qualities aren’t exclusive to CEOs or managers. Instead, they appear in anyone who inspires, uplifts, or guides others—whether through deliberate actions or subtle influence.
Here’s the kicker:
You can fail as a leader with a title, and you can succeed as a leader without one. Some of the most inspiring leaders in our lives are those we overlook—teachers, caregivers, colleagues, or even strangers.
So, the next time you notice someone demonstrating vision, integrity, empathy, accountability, and, most importantly, the courage to act take a moment to acknowledge them and raise a toast in their honor.
As for me, I led back then, and I continue to lead today. Not just by guiding others as a leadership consultant but by shaping my own journey with purpose. Leadership evolves—it transforms as you grow and achieve new milestones. It’s not confined to titles; it emerges in the actions you take, the people you inspire, and the impact you create. If you recognize those qualities within yourself, don’t wait for someone to hand you a title—step forward and lead.
Jagdeep Kaur
I am an HR professional and a blogger with more than 15 years of experience working in the areas of Leadership Development, General HR, Recruitment, and building start-ups. I live in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and love to write about my experiences and those of other expats in this beautiful country. My blogs, interviews, and poetry are a pure reflection of my personal interactions, thoughts, and experiences.