As a young leader, I have been fortunate to experience the triumphant and troublesome expedition of leadership. My experiences thus far have birthed a greater appreciation for the leaders I have been blessed to follow and admire. Having observed leaders, I suspect that leaders find themselves working through internal issues that are not exposed to the public. Frequently, leaders find themselves soaring in their respectful arenas, while suffocating at the same time. While there are many remedies and practices that are helpful, this article is designed to be a fluorescent breath of fresh air. Leaders are:

Learners – Leaders, you are the greatest learners in the universe. Your heart and mind are hungry to discover what could be and what needs to happen in order for what could be to become. You are constantly downloading and digesting information that prepares your mind for endless possibilities. You are constantly reflecting on self to improve self for the sake of others. In order to be a great leader, you’ll have to be a great learner.

Enthusiastic – When there is a mission to fulfill, you the leader are excited the most. You are the Happy Happy Hippo of the song that children love to sing. You set the momentum for the environment. When others struggle to be enthused about the mission, you are the one who creates the temperament for others to embrace.

Authentic – Leaders, you all are the realest of the real. Your authenticity blossoms through your perseverance. You lead through who you are, what you know, and what you are capable of. While you learn from others, you know that all you can do is make adjustments while remaining yourself.

Dynamic – Leaders, who you are and what you do requires power and fortitude. The power you possess is unmatched and was carefully crafted for you. You are bursting with brilliance, energy and success. No one can replace the power that you have.

Empathetic – Leaders, you are great followers. You know what it feels like to walk a mile in the shoes of those who are under your leadership. Even if you aren’t in the same position as your followers, you have the capacity to relate to them.

Resilient – You are like the captain of a ship. A captain has a vision of the destination in mind, as well as the courage to steer that ship towards the destination. When the journey becomes unruly, captains have to be instinctively and intentionally resilient.

Selfless – Leaders, you are some of the most selfless individuals in the universe. Like a lioness who is willing to die in order for her cubs to eat and be safe, so are you willing to sacrifice all for the greater good of your local and/or global community.

Leaders, I didn’t want this article to offer any criticism or suggest any improvements. The purpose of this article is to pat you on your back. Leaders, you are loved and appreciated. I hope this note communicates just that!