As you probably figured it out from the title, today we’re going to talk about leadership.

Most people imagine leadership as a superior place in the hierarchy, where you have power over the others. Of course, it is crucial to be a good leader if the position you’re occupying requires it, but this concept stretches far beyond the very popular and desirable management skill.

You know that situation when you’re in a group, nobody knows what to do and somehow a decision has to be made? There is always one person you’ll be looking at in order to find your answer. There is always somebody who takes the initiative and actually does something. Those are the informal leaders, the people that you follow or look up to and that are not officially acknowledged as leaders. For example, the formal leader is your boss, someone that has a recognized status and to whom you are accountable for the tasks that you have to do.

It is much harder and much more important to become an informal leader and inspire others. Many people give up on themselves because they feel they will never get the job they want. They believe in their skills, in their power, but they cannot imagine being leaders outside an office, all by themselves, without the financial compensations that such a position would offer.

A true leadership mentality goes beyond these things. You can change everything if you have the courage to step up and do something. Leading by example is one of the most powerful and inspiring things you can do to change yourself and the ones around you. See what things bother you most, start small by changing your own world and make this your goal. It’s not impossible, you just have to make the first step.

Leadership opportunities are among the most important things AIESEC offers to young people. Here you can overcome the challenges of being a leader and feel the immense satisfaction of having a successful team. You are encouraged to become a better person, to be brave and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way.  By developing yourself, you will have a bigger impact on others, on the environment you live in. The society can grow through its people and this is what we are trying to achieve by encouraging a leadership mentality.