We are all leaders.
The only question then is what kind of leader we want to be.
Nancy Koehn in her fantastic book Forged in Crisis sets the premise this way: “Courageous leadership is actually a result of individual people committing to work from their stronger selves, discovering a mighty purpose, and motivating others to join their cause.”
Strong, courageous leadership is composed of three elements.
First, is the strength and belief of a stronger self.
Second, is a call beyond oneself.
Third, is eliciting others to join.
A Stronger Self
We are all in the process of self-development. Engaging in blind spots, seeking sound council, expanding our minds. We read, process, develop new ideas, think, share, and refine our every action.
This is because we embody a firm belief in reaching our full potential. That there is something inside of us call to be more.
Do more. 
Love more.
We know that there is a call within us that if we embrace it, it could transform the world.
The greatest gift we can give the world is our full self. This is not arrogant or pushy, it is a recognition of the gift God himself placed within us.
Koehn examines the development of five great leaders in history and reaches this conclusion: “The concept that, at times, the most powerful thing one can do is to invest in oneself, without signs of great outward progress … The work they did on themselves wasn’t some kind of formal bildungsroman brought to life. No, the self-development work that these protagonists did was generally unnamed and unforeseen. It was often accomplished ad hoc, in response to an obstacle in their way or a new realization. But once learned, the particular skill, aspect of emotional mastery, or powerful insight became a part of the individual leader’s tool belt—to be used and strengthened going forward. And as all five individuals came to realize, the harder they worked on themselves, the more effective they became as leaders.”
A Larger Vision
Great leaders never work on themselves as the end goal. Rather, the end goal is to complete a mission. They want to birth the vision in their mind and fan the flame burning in their heart.
We get that.
We have that same calling.
As leaders, we’re calling others to join the mission. Save the planet. Invent a product. Find a new revenue stream. Raise a child.
Whatever it is, we get it. You get it. The belief in your best self – and your continued pursuit of that – have led you to acknowledge the world-changing power contained in your soul.
When you spend time developing yourself and give detail to the future vision, you can enter step three of leadership.
Recruiting Others
The final step of great leadership (or ‘courageous leadership’ as Koehn calls it) is to recruit others. We can never complete this journey alone.
We will never reach the greatest potential on our own accord.
A mentor.
A coach.
A group of peers. 
A tribe.
A blacksmith of the soul, sharpening your iron to bring out the greatness.
Other like-minded individuals willing to seeing the awe-inspiring vision come to life. Not just in your mind. Not just in your heart. Instead, your desire is now theirs. They want to honor you and the call in your life while charting new territory.
We are all leaders.
The only question then is what kind of leader we want to be.
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Sources:
Koehn, Nancy F. Forged in Crisis: The Making of Five Courageous Leaders (p. 3). Scribner. Kindle Edition.