At one time I was quite content to live as a follower. After all, it was so much easier to criticize being a follower. There was no risk. I was free to rock the boat, Say my piece, Object to a decision, Take potshots at the leaders, Criticize a church council, a council decision, Rabbis, politicians, or some other favorite target. There was no risk.

At first glance, I might have been afraid of assuming leadership because I worried that I would make a bad decision or say the wrong thing and consequently fall flat on my ass. I didn’t like to risk failure, so I didn’t bother.

Being a strong, articulate, wise leader involves risks. Leaders are constantly stretched into brand-new areas. Everyone wants a piece of their wisdom. They are asked to succeed over and over again. Leaders have incredible influence over others—and it frightens some of them to death.

I thought that if I dare to risk my pride and integrity by becoming a leader, others may decide to rise to the occasion too. If that happens, I will no longer find yourself standing alone in a room full of followers. Instead I will find myself standing shoulder-to-shoulder with other leaders.

In time I learned not to confuse leadership with power. True leadership has nothing to do with clinging to power; it has everything to do with giving power away. A true leader empowers others, mentors others. Leadership is all about sharing the workload, and sharing the glory as well as the fallout.

There is nothing noble about shrinking in my boots just so those around me won’t feel insecure. Instead I decided to rise to the occasion in all my glory, dare to lead, and applaud as others take up the challenge.