Leaders are an interesting group. They may be born, made or both. I don’t hold to the premise that leaders are born. I truly believe that most are made. Of course they can have the propensity within them, but the ability to lead has to come out in one form or another because of one situation or another. Leaders may be made by circumstance, luck, or their own persistence. Regardless, once a leader is recognized, that moniker will stay with them for a long time if not forever.

As I noted in a newsletter a few years ago: Dwight Eisenhower’s quote, “Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he (or she) wants to do it.” Reminds us that leaders recruit followers by their actions and words. Certainly words can move people but a leader’s actions keep people following.

A leader doesn’t need a title, position, or special stature in order to control the helm. It’s his or her decisions and actions that command respect.

An incident during the atrocities at Virginia Tech illustrates leadership in its boldest form.

Liviu Librescu, the 76 year-old senior researcher and lecturer in engineering lost his life by blocking the door to his classroom. His actions enabled his students time to jump out of windows to safety or hide under desks. Here was a man who survived the Holocaust, made his way to America, taught students the science of engineering, and in the end lead them to safety while giving up his life.

Leadership is knowing what to do in the toughest or easiest of situations. But one tenet holds true: leaders keep things in perspective.

I’m not talking about tyrants, dictators, or power mongers, the people I categorize as false leaders. I’m talking about everyday leaders, people who realize that by their actions others will thrive. They lead the way but know that others will need to lead as well. When, just a few days ago, America celebrated the 60th year of Jackie Robinson breaking the color line in baseball and subsequently in society as a whole, I was repeatedly and happily reminded of his famous quote. “A life is not important except in the impact it has on others.”

His insight and leadership through adversity was astounding. And yet he could laugh, keep a certain perspective, and through his actions have an impact that changed a nation and the minds of many throughout the world.

Leadership is learned by looking at the world around you, asking how it can be improved, and finding the impetus and energy to begin the process of change. It can come in an instant or over time but when it comes, the leader realizes it and does something about it.

Perhaps you have not thought of yourself as a leader because you haven’t had the opportunity to lead others. Well – the most important person you have to lead is yourself. Without inner leadership it’s extremely difficult to lead others with authenticity. Without perspective, awareness, positive energy, and a certain lightness even authenticity has a tough time maintaining itself.

So, focus on your goals. Take a long hard look at yourself and everything around you and make some plans to lead yourself in order to reach your desired objectives. Others will notice and follow and soon, by your example, they will lead as well.