Being in charge of others

is not the same

as being in control of myself.

Control demands obedience.

Leadership invites ownership.

Control pushes compliance.

Leadership pulls commitment.

Control sets outcomes.

Leadership sets direction.

One says,

“Do this.”

The other says,

“Follow me.”

Control assumes position is enough.

Leadership knows presence is required.

The paradox is the more I try to control others,

the less leadership I have.

Control is about managing others.

Leadership starts with managing myself.

People don’t follow authority.

They may

or may not

obey it.

They do follow alignment.

My leadership begins when I realize,

again,

being in charge

doesn’t mean being in control

of anyone except me.