Leaders Inspire From the Inside

What is Leadership?

lead·er·ship
/ˈlēdərˌSHip/

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noun
noun: leadership
the action of leading a group of people or an organization.”different styles of leadership”h Similar:guidance, direction, authority, control, management, superintendence, supervision, organization, government, orchestration, initiative, influence
the state or position of being a leader.”the leadership of the party”h Similar: headship, directorship, direction, governorship, governance, administration, jurisdiction, captaincy, superintendency, control, ascendancy, rule, command, power, mastery, domination, dominion, premiership, sovereignty
the leaders of an organization, country, etc.plural noun: leaderships”a change of leadership had become desirable

We often think of leaders as someone in charge and commanding the group as the Google definition states above, but I think of leadership differently. I think of leadership as someone who inspires others by doing what they say they are going to do and helping others see their true potential. That vision will look different to different people and some may not even see themselves as leaders. Many times if you ask a leader if they are a leader they will say, “no.” Leaders are often leading groups even if not selected as the person in charge, they just offer their opinions and usually make the group a better place helping them move forward. You may be a leader and not realize it. Leadership may even be hidden under the umbrella of “ambition”.

I want to talk about silent leadership. The type of leadership where you don’t even know you are trying to lead someone. Maybe you are just trying to make life better for yourself and by doing that are inspiring others.

Silent leadership is when you don’t even put yourself in a leadership role but because of actions you are taking to improve your own life you are inspiring others. I have known Lucas Redwood for a couple of years. We met on set filming my television show Inspiring Youth and I was immediately impressed with this ambitious young drummer. Over the years we have been part of the same circles and I have watched this young person grow and look towards the future. With the pandemic Lucas has been instrumental in helping many of his musician friends transfer from doing in-person shows to playing concerts online. I was really impressed how he took a leadership role in helping musicians he had never met and learning software and other elements needed to put on an online show.

I have been so impressed with this leader that I have had him on my podcast and television show a number of times. I have even started helping him create his goals for the future. Lucas was awarded our Inspiring Youth Award for 2021 for all the great work he is doing and has done over the years.

Kia is another silent leader who helped put together a team of animators through a class at Sheridan College during the pandemic to create an animated film remotely with a team of over ten people. She has been instrumental in keeping the project going and even though she doesn’t see herself as the leader of the group, she was the one that took the initiative to seek out other art groups which is where we met. That resulted in the television show and now podcast.

For myself leadership isn’t about being in front or leading the group. It is about inspiring others to be the best they can be. I just remember my childhood days when I didn’t think I was good enough or feel I had anything to offer. To be honest I still feel that way sometimes, maybe that’s what keeps me striving to be better. Realize for you that leadership shouldn’t be a title, it should be a mindset. Hopefully you are leading others and you may not even know it and that’s okay too.

About the Author

Bruce Outridge is a media entrepreneur specializing in the transportation and creative industries. Apart from being a professional cartoonist Bruce is the producer of several podcasts, television shows, and radio networks. He is also a published author and professional speaker. You can learn more about Bruce and his work at www.bruceoutridge.com