What does it mean to begin a leadership journey? Not with a title or a checklist, but with a question. This episode explores the power of asking, imagining, and belonging.
The Prompt That Started It All
“If you could give one challenge or question to someone just starting their leadership journey, what would it be?”
Two powerful invitations emerged:
“Draw your dream team, who would help you be brave?”
“What’s one thing you care about so much you’d speak up for it?”
These aren’t just questions. They’re portals. They ask young leaders (and not-so-young ones) to name their courage, sketch their support system, and tune into what matters most.
The Mirror Moment
To complete the starter kit, one more element was added:
“A mirror that says, ‘You already belong.’”
Because leadership isn’t earned through perfection or performance. It begins with presence. With showing up, even when your voice shakes. With trusting that your perspective matters.
Try This: Your Leadership Starter Kit
Whether you’re 11 or 41, here’s a challenge to try:
- Draw your dream team. Who lifts you up? Who helps you be brave?
- Name one thing you care about deeply, enough to speak up for it.
- Find (or make) a mirror that reminds you: You already belong.
Stick these prompts on your wall, your journal, your phone. Let them guide you when imposter syndrome creeps in or when leadership feels lonely.
A View from Age 11
Research shows that by age 11, children already have strong ideas about what makes a good leader. They value fairness, kindness, and courage, often more than authority or popularity. One study found that children are more likely to see themselves as leaders when they’re given opportunities to make decisions, solve problems, and lead small groups.
An 11-year-old might say:
“A leader is someone who helps others do their best.”
“I’d speak up if someone was being left out.”
“I’d want my team to be kind and funny and help me when I feel nervous.”
These insights remind us that leadership starts with empathy and action, not age or experience. When young people are invited to lead, they rise.
Why It Matters
Leadership isn’t just about leading others. It’s about leading yourself, toward truth, toward courage, toward connection. And it starts with questions that crack open possibility.
Try this exercise for yourself and draw your dream team; download the FREE template.
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