This week I had three different people say I was a “natural born leader.”

What?

I’m not. I tend to shrink back and blend into the woodwork more. I tend to love being behind the scenes. I stand up and lead when I’m asked to do it or when I absolutely have to. But otherwise, I’m generally fine with following.

And then I remembered something one of my leaders told me on the last day of interns. She said I had zeal, just a different kind of zeal. A quieter zeal. I don’t lack passion, it just doesn’t show like most everyone else.

Leadership comes in many forms, shapes, sizes, colors, titles. It’s hard to define. Hard to narrow it down. But just because you don’t always want to be at the head of the line, doesn’t mean you aren’t a leader. It’s not the title, or status, or even the words you say that make you a leader. 

The heart placed in you, now that’s what makes you a leader.