"But I'm not a leader..."

They induced at 4pm. Twenty-one hours later I was a father. One loud and continuous scream announced my promotion. Was I ready? No. Was I experienced? No. Did I have a clear strategy for success? No.

By choice, circumstance or force - at some point in your life you'll assume a leadership role. It may be at home. It may be at the office. It may be among friends lost in the woods. There will be a time when you are asked to exceed the level of your experience and lead others. 

If you have a choice regarding the matter, your internal dialogue may naturally focus on the risks and concerns. Don't let that whisper of doubt turn into a bellowing refusal to accept the challenge. Your own high expectations causing stress? Perhaps that indicates you are invested emotionally in the success of the project or the overall development of the group. Concerned one of the group might challenge your authority or question your abilities? Perhaps that insecurity is what pushes you toward even greater self-improvement.

Leaders aren't perfect. They weren't anointed with a divine capacity for making all the right decisions and giving the perfectly toned speech at just the right time. Leaders lead. And then they fail. And then they move right back to the front to lead again. The repetitions build experience. The falls hone their senses.

If you're taking a team to a place you've already been, you're a guide. Guides are important. Guides raise the bar and bring teams up across the board. If you're taking a team to a place you've never been, you're a leader. You're accepting the challenge to move out of your level of experience and comfort. Let's do more of that.