When I talk about leadership, I am not talking about the power to control the people around you. Instead, leadership is a virtue. It is the quality that makes people follow you out of genuine respect for your words and actions.

​To make this clear, let’s look at two of the most famous leaders in history: Napoleon Bonaparte and Abraham Lincoln.

​Napoleon was a brilliant military leader. His soldiers were famously devoted to him because he lived in the trenches with them and allowed anyone to rise through the ranks based on talent, not just birthright. However, despite his tactical genius, he ultimately led his “Grand Army” to their demise. He possessed many qualities of a great leader, but he lacked a mindset of service. In the end, he was serving his own selfish interests and ego, rather than the well-being of his people.

​On the other hand, Abraham Lincoln had a much greater vision for the people of the United States. He sought to free the enslaved, establish a more cultured society, and perform deeds that mark him as perhaps the greatest president America has ever seen.

​Now, look at the leaders around you today. Do they resemble Napoleon or Lincoln? Personally, I would choose to follow a leader like Lincoln. Why? Because he would serve the common good, and as a result, I would be inspired to serve that same cause.

​That is the virtue of leadership. People follow you for two reasons: out of fear or out of respect. I believe true power lies in respect. Leading through fear is an illusion—it is simply a way to feed your own ego, and nothing more.

​Today, I ask you: In what small way can you lead with respect in your own circle?