If You Were in Charge, What Would The World Be Like?
“When I’m in charge, it’s 3-day weekends every week,” I remember saying as a brand-new teacher, full of energy, ideas, and a little bit of humor.
While I still think long weekends are the way to go💥--just read the Performance chapter in our guide, 7 Powerful Choices to Reclaim Your Leadership Energy—over time, I have realized that our perception of leaders and leadership may need a real adjustment.
I recently heard from a colleague that she didn’t think she could join one of our leadership development programs because “I’m NOT a leader,” she said. Yet, in the very same email, she outlined her own driving question about what actions she can take to create real change in her work.
It’s funny how, when we think about being in charge, about leading, we often imagine sweeping changes, grand decisions, or big titles. But the truth is, leadership is rarely about the spotlight—it’s about what you choose to do every single day.
Here are some beliefs that hold us back from seeing ourselves as leaders—and the truths that can change everything:
Rosa Parks, courtesy of Freepik.com
Us/Them Thinking
Belief: They are leaders. We are resisters.
Truth: In your resistance, you find power. Your actions influence others. You are a leader.
Think about Rosa Parks—her quiet act of resistance lit a fire of change that reshaped history.
Image of a community rally. Where is leadership here? Courtesy of Unsplash.
2. Hierarchical Thinking
Belief: Title, role, or position = leader.
Truth: Leadership isn’t about your title—it’s about your actions. Some of the most impactful leaders have no formal authority, yet they inspire, guide, and create change.
Think about someone who inspires you. Chances are, it’s not their title that sticks with you—it’s how they made you feel, what they stood for, or the way they took action.
Image of person facing adversity and choosing power within. Courtesy of Freepik.com
3. Boxed-In Thinking
Belief: I have to follow along, do what I’m told, meet the expectations. I have no choice.
Truth: Every single human being has at least one choice: how to respond to the situation you’re in.
Viktor Frankl taught us that even in the darkest circumstances, we have the power to choose our attitude, actions, and mindset.
Younger person helping another person at the office. Courtesy of Freepik.com
4. Not-Enough Thinking
Belief: Leaders speak up, stand up, and take action—things I don’t naturally do.
Truth: When you intentionally do what is good, right, and just, you lead by example. Leadership isn’t always loud. Sometimes it looks like a young person offering kindness or standing up for a friend.
Think about a time you saw someone’s small, kind act ripple outward—it’s a reminder that even the smallest actions can lead to the biggest changes.
Image of woman talking with group even though she’s nervous. Courtesy of Freepik.com
5. Monster-Under-the-Bed Thinking
Belief: Leaders are fearless, extraordinary, larger-than-life. I’m just… me.
Truth: Fear doesn’t disqualify you from leadership; it invites you to it. Leadership begins when you take one small, courageous step. That step shows others what’s possible—and that’s how monsters shrink.
Think about anyone who stood up even when they were afraid—their courage gives others permission to do the same.
The Truth About You and Leadership
Leadership isn’t something you wait for or something someone hands you. It’s something you step into every time you choose to act with courage, care, or conviction.
So, what would you do if you were in charge?
Spoiler alert: You already are.
(Share your thoughts below—I’d love to hear what leadership means to you!)
