THE ESSENCE OF LEADERSHIP

Written By: Devadakshini

 When I think about leadership, I do not imagine someone standing at the front of a room, giving orders with authority. For me, leadership is not about the title you hold , it's about the way you make others feel, the values you stand for, and the influence you leave behind.

At its core, leadership means responsibility. It is the willingness to step up when things are uncertain, to take ownership of both successes and failures, and to make decisions that are not only beneficial to yourself but to those around you. I believe a true leader understands that every choice has a ripple effect, and they remain conscious of how their actions impact others.

Leadership also means service. It is easy to think of a leader as someone who is above their team, but the opposite is true in my eyes. A great leader serves their people. They listen, they empower, and they clear obstacles so others can thrive. I admire leaders who prioritize the growth of those around them, who recognize talent, and who create opportunities for others to shine. To me, leadership is not about being the star of the show it is about lifting the curtain so the whole cast can be seen.

Another dimension of leadership is empathy. We often think of leaders as strong decision-makers, but I think their strength lies in their ability to understand people. A leader who can put themselves in someone else's shoes, who can pause and say, I hear you, I value what you are feeling ,that is a leader who inspires trust. And trust is the foundation of any lasting leadership.

Of course, leadership is not perfect. To me, it means being willing to admit mistakes and learn from them. I find it powerful when a leader shows vulnerability, because it reminds us all that leadership is a journey, not a destination. Perfection is not the goal but growth is.

Personally, I see leadership as an influence. Not the kind of influence measured by followers or status, but the quiet influence that happens in everyday interactions. It is the encouragement you give a teammate, the patience you show when someone is struggling, the example you set when no one is watching. Leadership is about leaving people better than you found them.

Finally, leadership is vision. A leader does not just react to the present but they look ahead and help others see what is possible. They create hope in uncertain times and direction when things feel unclear. Visionary leadership does not mean having all the answers, but it does mean having the courage to ask the right questions and bring people along in the search for solutions.

So, what does leadership mean to me? It means service, responsibility, empathy, influence, and vision. But above all, it means people and compassion.