“Shine your light and make a positive impact on the world; there is nothing so honorable as helping improve the lives of others.”― Roy T. Bennett

If you A leader or  aspire to be a leader, let me plant this thought: The people around you are not there to make you a big deal; you’re there to make them a big deal. Shine a light on others, and in the reflection you’ll see a leader. So what does it mean to “shine a light” on those around you? It begins with finding the leader in you.

You don’t need to change who you are to be a good leader and have a meaningful impact on your life. Rather, you need to give way to more of who you are. YOU — the unique being that you are — are the answer to creating the life you want and the world you want to live in.

Once you have determined your style, you can better understand your motivations and apply your strengths toward making an exponential impact on the world. Work with your team to identify complementary skillsets for more effective collaboration. Expand your perspective by spending time shadowing and learning from innovative leaders with other styles.

Don’t wait for the boss to give you recognition and appreciation. Instead, get busy givingrecognition and appreciation to everyone on your team. I am a believer in peer recognition programs. Instead of waiting for the manager to acknowledge good work, each employee is encouraged to recognize positive attributes, stories of overcoming life’s challenges, and contributions at work that make a positive difference.

Rise up, shine and make your leadership shine, to impact the world around you.

Here are some insights for you:

“People who are truly strong lift others up. People who are truly powerful bring others together.”
— Michelle Obama, attorney and former First Lady of the United States

“If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up the men to gather wood, divide the workand give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea.”
— Antoine de Saint-Exupéry,  French writer and pioneering aviator.

“As a leader, I am tough on myself and I raise the standard for everybody; however I am very caring because I want people to excel at what they are doing so that they can aspire to be me in the future.”
— Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo

“The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly.”
— Jim Rohn, entrepreneur and motivational speaker