The founder of Shorinji Kempo, Doshin So, said “give me leaders, not followers”. But what is a leader, and how do you become one? Is it really true that the world would be better if we were all leaders?
What is a leader?
According to the dictionary, a leader is “a person who leads”. Very helpful, I’m sure. Fortunately it gives examples:
- guide, conductor
- a person who directs a military force or unit
- a person who has commanding authority or influence
- the principal officer of a British political party
Some important points. A leader is not someone who does everything themselves, or rules by fear. In all of the examples given, the leader can only lead with the consent of those they are leading.
You’ll also note that there are many types of leader – from guide to commander and everything in between.
Can you have too many leaders?
“Too many cooks spoil the broth”
Yes. And No.
It is true that in some situations one person should be in charge, leading the others towards a solution. But the perfect leader for one situation might be terrible in another.
The trauma surgeon who can lead a full team of medics through a complex operation might be terrible at organising a birthday party.
The conductor who runs a national orchestra, encouraging all their musicians to give their best performances might fall apart if asked to teach a children’s music class.
The martial arts sensei who can teach a class of 40 students and make sure that all of them are challenged and go home happy might have no idea how to do the marketing necessary to get 40 students.
One of the hallmarks of a true leader, in my opinion, is the self-knowledge to know when it is time to delegate, to cede your leadership role to someone more suited. But in order to do that, there must be an appropriate person to delegate to – another leader, with a different speciality, waiting patiently for their time to shine.
Thus, everyone needs to be a leader.
Are you a leader?
If everyone should be a leader, are you? I can’t answer this one for you. Think about your life – is there a time and space in which you feel confident that you could take charge?
Perhaps it is in your workplace, or your household, perhaps in one of your hobbies. It might be huge – you’re already teaching a class of 30 in a school or youth club – or it might be tiny – your child always has the right kit for school, your houseplants always thrive, or you never run out of coffee in your house.
Whatever it is, that is your starting point. Use it to build your confidence, and expand outwards.
Can you become a leader?
Are you struggling to think of even a tiny thing in your life that you confidently lead at? All is not lost. Leading is not built in to people from birth, it is a learnable skill. All you need is an opportunity to practice.
In our Shorinji Kempo classes, it is not just the Sensei that leads. Students help each other to improve – one of the benefits of working with a partner is that you will have different skills and can bring each other up as you practice together. Junior grades practice leading by running the warm-up section, or tutoring a small group of beginners. All designed to build your confidence slowly over time.
You are the leaders of the future – where will you take us?
