“You must make your mark on this earth, and, if you have never done so, it is simply because you neglected to use the powers you have, or you have neglected to develop them.” – John Henry Patterson

The best leaders almost always feel empowered.  They always feel like they can have an impact, or that they can overcome whatever challenge they’re currently facing, or take advantage of whatever opportunity is currently presenting itself.  They feel like they can shape the world they’re living in.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of people in leadership roles who don’t seem to feel that way.  Just in the past few weeks I’ve heard each of the following comments from people who are supposed to be leading organizations:  “What difference will it really make?”  “Why bother? It’s not going to work anyway.”  “There’s no point trying to do that, no one will buy in.” “Why plan when things are just going to change anyway?”

How many of those do you hear yourself saying?  We all get discouraged sometimes, but are those kind of things coming out of your mouth on a regular basis?  Are those kinds of things a reflection of how you really feel about yourself and your role?

For starters, even if you think those things, you can’t say them out loud.  Think about the impact that has on the people you lead.  I see organizations with people in leadership roles who talk that way, and pretty soon the people they’re supposed to lead are talking that way too.  The whole organization becomes reactive and everything grinds to a halt.

You have the ability to make change.  You have the ability to influence others.  You have the ability to deal with challenges and take advantage of opportunities.  If you aren’t doing those things, it isn’t because you can’t.  It’s because you’re choosing not to.

Make different choices.  Choose to lead the organization and the people you’re responsible for.  Choose to have an impact on those around you.  You have the ability.  Use it.