25/08/2025
Can everyone lead? if everyone leads, what could be the result? these questions are central to the discussion in this article. Read, comment, and share.
Everyone Can Lead
For as long as we can remember, people have argued about whether leaders are born or made. You probably have your own opinion on this, too.
Some say leaders are born with natural traits like charisma, courage, intelligence, and confidence. Others insist leaders are shaped by life through experience, exposure, or opportunities that allow them to grow into the role. And honestly, both sides make a fair point.
But here’s the real question: does it even matter?
Instead of choosing a side, I’d like to challenge you with this thought—everyone can lead, and everyone should lead.
Now, I know what you might be thinking: If everyone is leading, who’s following? Fair question. But that’s only true if we see leadership as just a position. Too often, we equate leadership with titles: the manager, the president, the CEO. Yet leadership is much bigger—and much simpler—than that.
As John Maxwell famously put it, leadership is influence.
And influence isn’t tied to a title. It’s about what you do and how you show up for others.
So what does leadership actually look like in practice?
Leadership gives direction.
Leadership influences decisions.
Leadership sparks progress.
Leadership opens doors to new possibilities.
Leadership helps people grow.
Leadership makes systems work better.
Notice something? None of these require an official position. They require people—ordinary people—willing to step in and make a difference.
Think about it: how many of these leadership functions can be achieved by just one person at the top? None. Even the most effective leaders rely heavily on the contributions, ideas, and influence of others. Great leadership is, at its core, a team effort.
Let me share a story.
In the book of 2 Kings 5, there’s an account of Naaman, a respected Syrian army general who was suffering from leprosy. Despite his power and resources, he couldn’t find a cure. The breakthrough didn’t come from a king, a commander, or another great official. It came from a young slave girl in his household. She suggested he visit a prophet in Israel.
Think about that: her small but courageous act of influence set off a chain reaction. The girl told Naaman’s wife. His wife told Naaman. Naaman sought his king’s approval. He eventually found the prophet Elisha, followed the instructions given, and was healed.
Notice how leadership showed up at every level—through a girl with no status, a wife who passed on the message, servants who encouraged Naaman when he hesitated, and Naaman himself who had to make the choice to follow through. Without each person playing their part, there would have been no healing, no restored general, no strong army.
That’s leadership in action. That’s influence at work.
So here’s the takeaway: everyone can lead.
You don’t need a title to make a difference. You don’t need a position to influence change. Leadership happens whenever you use your strengths to move things forward, whether in your workplace, family, community, or friendships.
When everyone contributes their unique influence, the whole group thrives. True leadership is about valuing those contributions, sharing both victories and struggles, and taking responsibility together.
And yes, those in formal positions of leadership still carry a special responsibility. But leadership doesn’t stop at the top—it multiplies when everyone chooses to lead in their own space.
So let me ask you: where is your little corner of influence? And how can you use it—today—to lead?
Kolawole Osunniyi
[email protected]
©voice of builders, August 2025.
[email protected]
