Pause for a moment and really think about it… What image does the word “leadership” bring to mind? A president? A famous philanthropist? A military general? Or maybe your former boss?
Let’s bring it a little closer to home, how about your father?
If your father was present in your life, he held a leadership role by default. So, was he a good leader?
I know this can be a sensitive topic. Some of us had strained relationships with our fathers. Others grew up without one, left to figure things out on our own. I get it, truly I do!
But there are also those lucky few who had great fathers. Men who led by example, wise, patient, and generous. Not perfect, but committed. Were you one of the fortunate ones?
If not, that’s okay. It’s not too late to heal from the past and become the kind of leader others can look up to.
Leadership begins with self-awareness. Start by reading, reflecting on your values, and practicing consistency. Over time, your confidence and impact will grow.
You Can Become the Leader You Always Needed
No matter what your past looks like, good or bad, you can begin being a great leader for your family, your community, or even just for yourself starting today.
The path of leadership is a journey of growth. It involves learning new things, challenging your own biases, and being okay with a few missteps along the way.
And if you’re feeling discouraged, remember this:
Failure is an event, not a person.
You are not a failure. Mistakes are part of learning, not a definition of who you are.
We have enough challenges in this world, why add yourself to the list of things working against you?
The Legacy Starts With You
From this point forward, start thinking of yourself as a leader. Whether you have a family to raise or you’re walking your path solo, we all must lead ourselves first.
Embracing leadership is an honor. And I believe you can and will lead well.
For more insight on growing personally, check out our post on how to create a balanced life.
Start Your Leadership Journey With These Books
Do you enjoy reading? Prefer audiobooks? Either way, here are some excellent resources to help you grow as a leader.
To see our full list of recommended books that are updated monthly, visit here for some widely respected leadership titles.
Pro Tip
If you have a library card, you can find most of these books in multiple formats such as: print, eBook, or audiobook.
Leadership Development Resources
Ads4Dads.com is a reader-supported website. If you make a purchase through the links on our site, we may earn affiliate commissions.
