Yesterday, during a really challenging practice with a really cool client, I reminded this team of leaders of something we all know and yet, we all seem to conveniently forget.
I reminded them that the best way to determine if they are a leader or simply posing as one, is not based on their position in their system. Nor is it based on the amount of power that they possess or the amount of perks that they receive. It doesn’t matter the size of their team or the number of their direct reports. It doesn’t matter the amount of money they are paid or the amount of stock that they own. It doesn’t matter.
In fact, you can have a ton of followers and clearly NOT be a leader. Funny, huh.
The best way to determine if you are a leader is to ask yourself if you have a big dream and if you have decided that it’s worth giving your whole heart toward regardless the cost and indifferent to it’s popularity. Obviously, I’m not referring to political leaders.
Real leaders, remember, are always out front. They’re out front for a reason, they believe in where they’re going, why they’re here, and what they’re doing. The vast majority of their teams, not so much.
Every leader, throughout history, primarily feels like they’re ALONE.
ALONE at the top.
God, help every leader to understand this truth.
God, help every leader to understand this truth, and lead, anyway.
God, help our leaders…
BUILT TO LEAD 
Very true, Chester. Thanks for this. Its nice to be reminded of this, especially during the times when it feels like the world is lined up against your OPUS.