Great leaders don't get to be where they are because of the power they've been given, but because of how they used the power they've always had. The same power resides in you.
Leaders perceive themselves in terms of their power, influence and ability to effect change. The heart of leadership is not about formal power, status or strategic thinking. It's about making a choice to park your doubts and lay your reputation and sense of security on the line for a cause--whether a corporate vision or social value--that is bigger than yourself. Accordingly, all leadership begins with self-leadership.
The reality is that everyone, regardless of their position, power or personality type, has the ability to lead others. All leadership begins within, by owning your power outwards to positively affect those around you.
You lead every time you encourage another person to expand their own horizon--to dare more, do more, give more and become more. And while people may not see you as a leader right away, when you consistently act like one you'll find they soon start to catch on.
What sets the best leaders apart isn't their superior intelligence, charismatic charm, a strategic mind or any of the other traits we often associate with leadership. It's who they are as human beings: authentic, purposeful, trustworthy, unpretentious, reflective and courageous in their own way.
Source: Margie Warrell: Brave: 50 Everyday Acts of Courage to Thrive in Work, Love and Life