Do You Dare to Lead?

In some circles, I say that I am in the business of communication--but the bigger truth is that I’m in the business of developing leaders of change, who of course must communicate with extraordinary skill. Throughout most of history, leaders of change were confined to the political, academic, religious and corporate stages. In fact, for thousands of years, all power resided in these arenas, and the “little person” had virtually no voice.

But as we see these industries crumbling, we are witnessing an historic “changing of the guard,” as power moves back to the people. Daily, leaders of change are leaping onto their own make-shift stages, right there in the middle of a crowd. We have seen this phenomenon spike dramatically in just three or four years, as YouTube, Amazon, Facebook and iTunes stage new leaders every day. It doesn’t matter their age, race, education or economic standing, new voices are rising to the fore almost by the minute—confident, compelling and effective. We can expect this sensation to reach a tipping point very soon, as more and more people claim their power, their “internal authority,” and lead us all in planetary change.

If you are such a visionary, congratulations. You’ve cleared the highest hurdle of all: the conce
that you are too insignificant to lead, too small to effect change. Something became more important than your fear and allowed you to sail over those obstacles.

If you have been hanging back, now is the time to do the same. Now is the time to recognize that you came here to take the innate, hard-ea
ed wisdom and knowledge within you and heal others. You are a leader of change.

But listen: that role carries on its shoulders nothing less than our collective future. The responsibility is great. But you were born for the job, so that won’t trip you up. But here’s what might: your need for approval is greater than your intent for change. When you could push the envelope, ruffle feathers, rock the boat, risk criticism by doing things differently and leading “out of the box”—you will instead stay safe within it. But unchanged …and changing nothing.

You do not have time or the luxury any more to ask yourself, am I a leader? You are! The question is, do I dare to lead? Or is it more important for me to follow…the tastes, preferences and safety zones of others so they admire me? Not for my brilliance, but for keeping them comfortable?

For the “New Paradigm,” Inspired Leader, the profound, inner passion to effect change, to impact the future, is greater than the need for approval. Indeed, the New Paradigm, Inspired Leader turns away from all exte
al authority and acts from his inner authority, a power-center of certainty, self-trust and conviction that by its very definition pulls him to think what others fear to think, do what others fear to do and go where others fear to go.

The New Paradigm, Inspired Leader follows nothing but her own truth, no matter how unpopular it may be--because she knows that’s what engenders change. And change is what matters. She is in service to others; that’s what matters. She will do what must be done to serve effectively, with power, impact and integrity.

The world is waiting for you; the stage is lit and ready. It’s time for you to step up and raise your voice. The question is not anymore, am I a leader? The question is, do I dare to lead, which will make some uncomfortable? Is my intent for change greater than my need for approval?

If so, the mic is on. Give ‘em your best shot.