Be A Leader

Don’t mind me. I’m just going to ramble a wee bit!

First, let’s start by looking at the definition of a leader.

• According to Google: the person who leads or commands a group, organization, or country
• Dictionary.com: 1. a person or thing that leads (that’s super descriptive..) 2. a guiding or directing head, as of an army, movement, or political group.
• British dictionary: a person who rules, guides, or inspires others; head

That all seems pretty normal and accurate, right?

Did you know that there are two kinds of leaders? At least that is my thoughts and I have also learned this through my studies in the Pathway program, preparing to attend BYU I online. There is an upper “L” leader and there is a lower “L” leader. Which one do you want to become?

I’m sure we all know what an upper “L” leader is. That would be more of what we would consider a king or a ruler. Someone who directs and takes control. High and mighty, gets to boss people around. Most likely this type of leader will have servants and will rarely serve others.

I hope nobody strives to be this kind of a leader!

A small “L” leader is a little bit different. It includes serving and ministering, loving and supporting and blessing other people.  The Savior is the great exemplar of this kind of leader. And I think it would do the world good if the people within strived to be like this. Like the Savior.

A small “L” leader doesn’t do things for praise or recognition. They do things because it is the right thing to do. I think the easiest way to be this kind of a leader is simply to lead by example. Doing the right thing, being kind and loving towards others, uplift and strengthen those around you, help those less fortunate that you, be compassionate, be a guiding light that helps illuminate the way for others.

Don’t condemn, speak ill or gossip, don’t make someone else’s struggle seem less than it is just because you personally don’t think that is much of a trial. We are all different. We have different hardships and trials, along with different strengths and talents. Different things affect us in different ways. The best thing that we can do is lift up those around us. Teach each other and love one another. Most of all, be humble. Put others before yourself. I guarantee that this will bring more joy into your life. Serving others without expecting to get something in return will increase your outlook in life. So if you are feeling down, go serve someone. It will make all the difference.