Why I Want To Be a Leader

This is the written version of the speech I wrote for the Month 4 Public Speaking challenge.

The dictionary defines “leader” as “the person who commands a group, organization, or country.” Synonyms include chief, head, boss, captain, director, and overseer. While these offices may give some amount of fame or public recognition, they also entail responsibility and consequences if you fail your task or the people who follow you. Why do I want to take this upon myself?

Being a leader is not just telling people what to do, even if that’s what you get out of the dictionary definition. A leader leads, so if you’re a leader you are showing other people where to go, how to act, and what to do. Famous sayings abound about the difference between showing and telling, and that applies to leadership. When I say I want to be a leader, it means that I want to learn the right way of living and behaving so that I can help other people along this path. There should be nothing about gaining popularity or notoriety in this office; it needs to be an office of service.

I want to be a leader because I want to show people the right way to live and behave. I want to be a leader so I can protect them from the dangers of the world and then guide them to the path where they can grow into the best possible version of themselves. I know I can’t and shouldn’t keep them from messing up but I can show them where I fell and got hurt so that they don’t have to make the same mistakes. I want to impart all the wisdom I’ve learned to them so they can do the same. I want to grab and hold onto those I meet who have fallen or lost their way, bringing them up with me. Then I want to train them through examples and timely advice so that they can do the same. What is the result? Through the efforts of just one person, a compound effect takes place where each subsequent follower becomes a leader in their walk of life and brings up the person next to them.

In a time when the world is confused and straying from the path of wisdom, rationality, and morality, I want to spark realization in the minds of those around me so that they can find their way again. Among my friends, I want to encourage them to better themselves through how I act and talk. Among my peers, I should seek to learn all I can so that I can use it to help others. Among those who look up to me, I need to be especially on guard to be the best person I can to help them grow. At home, I want to be a leader to my family; to my sisters, so that they can be safe and assured as they go through life, and to my little brother so that he can have an example of what a man should look like.

I know I will often fail and mess up but part of this process is taking responsibility for your actions. I need to embody the virtues I want to see in other people. I believe every person is capable of being a leader and from a young age should seek to lead others in what’s right. The longer you spend practicing the more capable you will become at that skill, so if we’re not leading right now we should start today so that we can become proficient as soon as possible. Leadership isn’t easy and doesn’t always feel fulfilling in the moment, but there’s beauty in that. Suddenly we’ll look back and realize just now how much of an impact we’ve had on those around us and will be inspired to keep going. So join me today, let’s lead well; let’s lead with vigor; let’s lead with energy; let’s lead with all our ability at all times. The journey of being a leader is an everyday commitment, requiring our energy, focus, and time but it yields huge results if we just put our minds to it and do the work. Thank you for your time.