Leadership is being comfortable with the uncomfortable that comes with stepping aside for others to flourish.

For the last year i have been studying and experiencing what leadership is. To me. And what is needed in organisations or a team. Today I found something new.

Leadership is being comfortable with the uncomfortable that comes with stepping aside for others to flourish. 

For three editions I have been leading TEDxYouth Groningen. It has been one of the coolest, most challenging, rewarding experiences ever. Our last event was sold out and had amazing reviews. And I felt I had a choice.

A choice between being the leader again and holding my position. Or stop, give space and freedom for the best team ever to go on and take new roles that will make them grow and experience new things. I chose to stop and let go.

And after that decision, thoughts came. What if? What if it will not be as good? Will that reflect on me? What if they will not honour me for all I gave? What if they will not consult me at all? What if I lose that cool title "TEDx organizer"?

Alright.... 

The thing is: it is not about me. Not at all. And maybe it is not about anyone. The event is leading the way. The love for young people, inspiring stories and powerful ideas is leading the way. And that is leadership too; being comfortable with all that is not comfortable at all. To let go and not know were it will flow. Stepping aside feels strange, yet it is about me taking the freedom to do new things and have my own new experiences. 

TEDxYouth Groningen should be free. And of course it will be awesome. 

With me just being an advisor and curator on the side. ( Or not, because that is not my decision at all ;-))