Lead Where You Are

More often than not, leadership is about the future. That is to say, it is aspirational in its framework. We learn and grow in our leadership so that we can be better leaders in the future - near or distant future. We usually have a mental picture (vision) of what our leadership will look like and the context in which it will be exercised. There is nothing wrong with that, however we shouldn’t sacrifice the present for the future.
I thought about this as I read the following lines from a 20th century Christian hymn by Ina Ogden:

Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do. Do not wait to shed your light afar. To the many duties ever near you now be true; brighten the corner where you are.

Here’s the point: Don’t wait to lead. Lead where you are. Don’t wait for a title or position. The opportunities to lead, and lead well, are around us. Let’s take advantage of them!