Last week I had an article published in the academic journal Religions called 'Every one of you is a leader.'  

Pablo Picasso said every child is an artist. I offer that every one of you is a leader. 

To me the idea that all children are artists is wonderfully creative, and the notion that all people are leaders is incredibly scary and empowering both at the same time. 

Why the picture above? Each pencil can be picked up... each person can pick up! You work the rest out :-) 

Regardless of what your day job is, or how you spend your time, we all know leadership at the weekend is different to leadership during the week... 

For many, the word "leader" evokes images of CEOs, political figures, or famous innovators. However, leadership is not limited to titles or roles. Leadership is about influence, action, and responsibility, and it can be found in each one of us in various aspects of our lives—at home, work, in social circles, in the community... And how we lead in each of these different parts of our life shows who we are as leaders.

I am left wondering who, or what, is it that we really are?

And, every individual has the capacity to lead in their own way.

And, each person knows how they will use their leadership skills in different contexts.

It is important to recognize that leadership is not about authority or control—those days have thankfully gone— it is about inspiring and influencing others.

This influence can happen in everyday situations. For example, a parent leading by example for their children, a student motivating their peers, or an employee offering innovative ideas that shape a project—all of these are different forms of leadership.

Your actions, decisions, and behavior influence those around you, making you a leader in your own context.

If you know me then you know that I am a firm believer that one important aspect of leadership is self-awareness. To be a leader, you must first lead yourself. This means taking responsibility for your actions, making thoughtful decisions, and being accountable for your successes and failures (or learning opportunities as I like to call them!). 

And, please remember that it is all about leadership *in your context* Much of showing up as a leader is about making what feel like big decisions to do the smallest of things.

When you lead yourself with integrity, kindness, and purpose, you set an example for others to do the same. And you are setting an example for yourself, for the days when you question and doubt yourself or your leadership capability and capacity. 

I invite you to remember that every one of is a leader, whether we realize it or not.

Leadership is not about titles, wealth, or fame—it’s about influence, action, and care.

As you go into the week I invite you to go beyond your comfort zone in terms of where you think your influence and leadership is showing up. Others know, you just might not be aware of it... yet! 

Have a great week. 

Saiyyidah

The Space

PS - I just brought the book The Road Less Stupid by Kevin Cunningham. 

Part of the review says "The chance of success goes up when you think, plan, consistently execute the right things, and worry about the possibility of loss. Here it is on a bumper sticker: Operators react and sweat. Owners think and plan." 

As someone who always wants to explore how to think better I am looking forward to reading the book.