Take action: why leadership starts with getting involved

There was a hole in the pathway where two bricks came loose and were subsequently kicked away.  People walked past that hole all day.  As they noticed it, many commented on how it was a tripping hazard, how someone should fix it, and on the general deterioration of city maintenance standards.  But it wasn’t until much later in the day that one pedestrian stopped, walked over to the side of the pathway, picked up a piece of discarded plywood and laid it over the hole.  Almost one hundred people saw the problem, many of them talked about it, but only one person chose to get involved and take action.

Far too many people live life as observers rather than participants.  Yet, the most successful leaders are those who choose to get involved, even when it’s not something they’re comfortable doing.  When that one pedestrian chose to stop and take action, they demonstrated true leadership.  It wasn’t their responsibility, nor was it something they necessarily wanted to do, but they chose to do it anyway, because it was the right thing to do!  That small effort made a world of difference.

Observer or participant?

How many times have you walked away from something because it wasn’t your problem, or it wasn’t your responsibility?  When, despite any initial reluctance, you choose to get involved and take action, you will find that even your small effort can make a world of difference.  Help a neighbour or a colleague, even if it isn’t your responsibility or in your job description.  Choose to get involved anyway … because it’s the right thing to do.

Have you ever witnessed someone demonstrate leadership simply by stepping forward and taking action? Can you recall a situation where you chose to get involved even though it wasn’t your responsibility? What helps you overcome the hesitation that sometimes keeps people on the sidelines?

Please share your experiences and insights so we can all learn together. Add your comment below.